BIRDS BARBERSHOP HOSTS “BFF” LADIES NIGHT, OFFERS LADYBIRD SPECIAL THIS FEBRUARY

Girlfriends get half off all February long with Birds Barbershop’s BFF referral program. To kick off this sweetheart promotion, the salon hosts its third Ladies Night on Friday, Feb. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m., this time with boy band karaoke hosted by drag queen diva Rebecca Havermeyer. Women can also indulge in complimentary chair massages by Massage Harmony, free nail adornment by Embellish, sweet treats from Sugartooth Bakery and girlie drinks by 42 Below Vodka. The first 50 guests receive gift bags stuffed with gift certificates and goodies galore. Deejay, BFF photo booth and plenty of pre-party good times to go around. Birds Barbershop @ 6800 Burnet Road. Visit birdsbarbershop.com for more details.

–DD

Blurg.

Seems they are having a big ol’ sale to scrape together some cash. So, if you’ve got some, spread the love. And get some cool threads while you’re at it?

We would really hate to see Mode go. Damn you, economy. I mean really, what’s it going to take for you to get off your ass and get back in proper working order?

Here are the deets straight from the Mode girls (p.s. a la mode means “in the fashion.” I watched Little Miss Sunshine” the other day and that is what I learned from it. Also, that Steve Carrell is kind of attractive. What did I just say? Yeah. You heard me.)

Hello friends a la mode,

As you know this is a bad economy we are living in… wish we had crystal ball but we did not… anyway, mode is unfortunately becoming very close to closing our doors like so many other small businesses in Austin already… we obviously do not want this to happen and we are trying to stay optimistic but we must also be realistic.
So since this is such a shitty economy… we are going to continue our “semi-barter” sale because I know that no one has money. I put the quotes around semi-barter sale because basically we will pretty much take any price for our things (beggers can’t be chosers!!!!)! Anyway, hope you all are not suffering too bad.
Best wishes!!!

-SCM

We didn’t know when/where/etc, but today we receive this update about their plans to move to East Sixth:

See you soon at a Birds near you. For all you Eastsiders, that shouldn’t be too long. Our new shop at 1107 E 6th will be open by the end of the month. Click the tape [to the left] to get a snapshot of where we’ll be.

Lone Star and Chocolate-y Other Beer for Everyone!

–DD

Robots? Check.

Animatronic things that are not at Cabela’s? Check.

Meeting Billy Bob Bear? Hello!!! Check.

Live All-Animal Showbiz Pizza Tribute Band before the Show? Check!

All you can eat pizza? Double check (for you lacto-friendlies!!)

Hear it straight from the Alamo themselves:

This is the KING OF KONG for 2009. The story of a small-town car salesman, a struggling inventor and an animatronic rock band that quickly becomes an eccentric portrait of childhood memories, broken dreams and the resilience of the human spirit. For real.

Before you get too excited, know that the Second Sunday Sock Hop is also on this night! You can do it! Rally until Monday AM! Never go back to school/work/your life again!!

–DD

EA: Do you live in East Austin? If so, how long have you been here and why did you move to this neighborhood in particular?

I live in French Place…aka hipster central. I was born and raised in Austin and went to junior high and high school on the east side but moved much further east for a good ten years(NYC). When I returned to Austin a couple of years ago, I noticed that the city had changed dramatically. The smaller community feel of the place had left most of the neighborhoods I used to enjoy but still seemed to be thriving just east of the highway. I could actually afford a place by myself with a yard and within walking distance of work, fun, friends, and culture. With the perk of being in a place that my family members still think is too dangerous to go to after dark.

EA: Which are you favorite East Austin spots when just looking for a place to relax?
I have a healthy addiction to coffee and booze so I tend to stick to places where I can get one or the other. Redhouse gives me booze and pizza and a chance to meet neighbors who all just talk to my dog. Clementine gives me coffee and attractive counter help who all like my dog too much. TC’s gives me hot sweaty dance parties and cold beer but I can’t bring my dog.
I also like to eat on the cheap and the east side has always been great for that. Juan in a Million, Cisco’s, El Azteca, La Chapala are all great, unless you are afraid of lard, you big west side pansies!
But, if you do insist on getting fresh organic green things into your diet, Boggy Creek Farms is amazing (its like a real farm, like from the tv!).

On a totally random side note, I have been really into the green and white grocery for my candles and random magical protection needs, but be warned, this place is serious, they have some stuff there that really shouldn’t be messed with. The owner will give you “mal ojo,” and if you don’t know what that means, don’t go in there.

EA: There have been a ton of new places that have chosen East Austin as their new digs. The Good Knight, Shangri La, Kemestry Salon, Birds Barbershop, Karibu and the list goes on. How do you feel about this?

I support community growth, as long as the community can actually be a part of it. Its one thing to bring in a business that adds to the place and thrives on the feel of what is already established, it is another thing to try to change an entire neighborhood into a space that is more welcoming to people outside of it than the people within it.
I know a lot of the owners of these businesses that are coming in, and most of them have spent at least a decade on our side of the highway, so I wouldn’t call them outsiders. But, it’s a dangerous line, because over the past 25 years, poor working artists have come into the east side just to be able to afford their way of life and because of such a thriving artistic community, more people, rich people, want to get in on that “hot new thing.” Damn you rich people! I hate you, and want to be you.

EA: Is there one thing in particular that you think we need in our neighborhood? Grocery Store? 24 hour diner?

Ok, so rich people, if you are reading this…I suggest the following things, and I will expect a cut of your profits.
1. Lets change that abandoned Airport parking lot on Manor into a drive in movie theater.
2. Lets change Ace Motel into art studios where artists can live in the rooms and sell out of their space. (sorry hourly rate customers, someone has to lose)
3. I never thought I would have to say this but…can we get another liquor store? Seriously, like a nice, one north of 12th and this side of the highway? Please keep it stocked with Jameson and random strange tequilas.
4. Healthy foods place…maybe a fresh plus/ Daily Juice bastard baby? Yes I am spoiled and privileged and I need my wheat grass shots, rice milk, and organic tampons. But I still don’t want to step foot into a megamart, no matter how fancy the fish counter is.

EA: So what do you do? (Could be anything.. hobbies.. work)

I am a local comedian, actress, writer, photographer and performer. I perform with Look Cookie, a local improve troupe. I write, perform, and produce UpTowne, a monthly sketch comedy show at ColdTowne Theater. I also produce events around town with Swellephant Productions.

I steal plant clippings from neighbor’s yards so I can beat them at their own game. I ride my bike. I walk my dog. I refinish furniture. I wear a stupid orange hat for most of the winter. I dance as much as possible. I aspire to swim with sharks, as soon as I no longer fear them. I boast a lot about my zombie killing abilities. I have a clown costume, in my closet, that awaits the right occasion. I am one of the last remaining real Austinites.

EA: Whats your favorite album right now?
My favorite album is always Love’s Forever Changes.
But, I have been completely enamored with Nigerian Rock Special.

EA: We are looking to get more Ink pretty soon. Where do you suggest we get our stuff done?
Like a tattoo? Or like Press? Or posters?
I will answer all 3.
Tattoo: Megan at Gully Cat.
Press: Misprint…they are just the sweetest
Posters: Bearded Lady…gurus.

EA: Anything else you want to say about yourself or East Austin?
I love where I live, but it is a very different place now than it was 10 years ago and I know that 10 years from now I will probably not recognize it. So, I want to relish what remains.
12th and Chicon….please never change. If you promise to never stop slinging ass and crack on that prime piece of real estate, I promise to always get mildly anxious and lock my doors when I am stuck at your light.

-JF

BARFFFFFFFFFFFF (NSFW vid–unless you work at UT where they don’t give a shiz)

P.S. WTF is a SLANKET?

–DD

–DD

Here are all the glorious things happening this weekend!

First off, there are several GREAT shows this weekend!

Friday, January 30

Tonight! Tonight! Tonight! Creekside Lounge hosts a Dance-a-Thon beginning at 9:30 PM. We’ve heard lots of great theories about how the dancers will be able to continue dancing, drinking, peeing, and/or all of the above.

Saturday, January 31

Tomorrow, Frankenbike will be held at Rio Rita. Yay! Bike parts and (hopefully?) bloody marys! Or is that “maries”? Then you can your sweet byckle on over to The Peacock to hear Tribella and Paige Lewis. Or, you can get really, really wild at Carnaval.

Sunday, February 1

Super Bowl Sunday. That’s all we got for you, folks. And knitting and ignoring the TV if you want to come to our house.