By Deborah Hamilton-Lynne, Photo by Destry Jaimes
Good thing we’ve still got politics in Texas, the finest form of entertainment ever invented. –Molly Ivins
Every two years, the “finest form of entertainment” comes to town and brings with it an intriguing cast of characters. Legislators and their entourages, lobbyists and their entourages, reporters and storytellers, masters of the universe and wannabe masters of the universe, fortune seekers and fortunetellers and yes, ladies of the night. Stir it all up and you have all the elements of a great morality tale: passion, drama, a fall from grace, redemption and heroics.
For political junkies, the session is more fun than a three-ring circus. It is truly fascinating to watch as each session unfolds. In this issue, we explore the 83rd Texas legislative session, currently underway, and the players that make the decisions that will affect our readers—every Austinite and every Texan—for the foreseeable future. ATX Man got up close and personal with the men who represent Austin: Senator Kirk Watson, Representative Elliott Naishtat and Representative Mark Strama, as well as Ross Ramsey, executive editor of The Texas Tribune, to look at the issues that will take center stage during the session and what each of them hopes this Legislature will accomplish.
We round out the section with fun facts, power players and pundits’ observations on this most fascinating form of entertainment. In case you would like to mix and mingle with the politicos, Matt McGinnis has the inside track on their favorite places to wine and dine. And Brandi Grissom, featured on our Pretty Woman Speaks Her Mind page, just happens to be a top political reporter.
Spring in ATX brings many and diverse forms of entertainment beyond the golden dome. We’ve got previews of South By Southwest Interactive, Film and Music, as well as the Austin Food & Wine Festival, the Old Settler’s Music Festival, the Moontower Comedy Festival, the Austin Reggae Festival and the Austin Psych Fest.
Looking for food and fun? Look no further than The Goodnight. Tiffany Harelik takes us to Austin’s newest and hottest spot for trailer treats, and we explore three spring holiday vacation scenarios and looks. And on March 17, when everyone is a little Irish, look to the Buzz for ways to celebrate.
Need the advice of an expert? While spring may turn a young man’s fancy toward love, relationship columnist Eric Leech warns of the dangers of an office romance. Ryan Nail shows readers how to get ready for summer by working on rock-hard abs. Ted Sabol-Williams of Jackson Ruiz reveals five hot haircuts to update your look. And Whole Foods founder John Mackey makes his case for Conscious Capitalism.
As for spring sports, are you ready to run, but not for office? We’ve got you covered for info on upcoming walks and races: 10Ks, marathons, triathlons and cycling. Look to our Guilty Pleasure and treat your feet to a great pair of running shoes. Longhorn fans (and foes) will get a heads-up on the outlook for the 2013 baseball season and the teams to watch in the Sports Report.
Whatever form of entertainment—politics, food, film, music, sports—appeals to you, ATX Man has got you covered and will be there with updates throughout the spring, so check in with us on Facebook and at atxman.com for all of the latest. This spring, as the Legislature and the world come to Austin, go out and live large. Count your lucky stars you live in such an entertaining city.
