Month: November 2015

1. Amy Schumer poses, photographed by Annie Leibovitz for famous Pirelli calendar.

The Pirelli calendar is known for featuring thin models in revealing outfits, but when photographer Annie Leibovitz took over the production for this year’s edition she had an entirely different crop of women in mind. Comedian Amy Schumer, tennis star Serena Williams and singer Patti Smith are just some of the women who have been photographed for the calendar. Schumer and Williams aside, most of the women were photographed fully clothed. Schumer posted a picture from her shoot on Instagram saying “Beautiful, gross, strong, thin, fat, pretty, ugly, sexy, disgusting, flawless, woman. Thank you Annie Leibovitz!”

2. Frida Kahlo “Self-Portrait” back on display at UT for two years.

Frida Kahlo is back at UT’s Harry Ransom Center, hummingbird necklace and all. A piece titled “Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird” was first acquired by the Ransom Center in 1966, and has traveled and been featured in dozens of exhibits since 1990. However, the piece has made its last First Class trip in its custom-made case for a couple of years. The painting will be on display at the Ransom Center until Dec. 2017.

3. East Side King at Hole in the Wall to close in December.

You’ll have to go a little farther than Hole in the Wall to get some of chefs Paul Qui’s and Motoyasu Utsunomiya’s spicy avocado buns or famed ramen come mid-December. The East Side King located in Hole in the Wall will close Dec. 19 after co-founders Qui and Utsunomiya chose not to pay the increased rent. The restaurant was opened in 2012 and still has several food trucks and brick-and-mortar locations throughout the city.

4. Jack White opens Third Man Records store in Detroit.

In what will be the second location White Stripes frontman Jack White has opened a Third Man Records store in his hometown of Detroit. The first location in Nashville was opened seven years ago. The store features several self-recording booths and offers mainly vinyl, limited edition records from the Third Man collection.

5. Celebrate the month of December and the holiday season across Texas. 

Say goodbye to the month of November and hello to the official holiday season! Check out what celebratory events our state has to offer and adjust your calendar accordingly. Maybe plan for Grapevine’s historic Parade of Lights or Lockhart’s Dickens-style Christmas celebration.

1. Miss Piggy, Kermit spoof Adele’s “Hello.”

If any pig knows of love and loss it’s Miss Piggy. The muppet, who recently shook most everyone’s perception of love when she announced her split from longtime puppet-beau Kermit the Frog, stars in a commercial spoofing Adele’s heart wrenching “Hello” that premiered last night during the American Music Awards. Is it weird that we still cried? You can watch the full commercial here.

2. Foo Fighters release Paris tribute album recorded in Austin.

After canceling the remainder of their tour following the Nov. 13 Paris attacks, the Foo Fighters hope to bring “a little light into this sometimes dark world” with the surprise release of a new EP “Saint Cecilia.” The EP’s five songs, which are available for download on the band’s website, were recorded at the Saint Cecilia Hotel in Austin and are dedicated to the victims of the Paris attacks.

3. American Music Awards feature Justin Bieber, One Direction, pay tribute to Paris.

Did you tune into last night’s American Music Awards hoping to see Justin Bieber get rained on? Or Jennifer Lopez wear one hundred different dresses? Or Meghan Trainor kiss a boy? Luckily the night offered all that and more. One Direction (even minus Zayne) beat out Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj and others and won the artist of the year award, but none of the other hopefuls went home award-less. The many, many performances of the night all led up to Bieber’s official comeback performance of songs from his new album “Purpose.”

4. Disneyland’s PeopleMover sells for nearly half a million dollars at auction.

It’s no Tesla, but it did sell for five times as much. A single car from the Disneyland PeopleMover sold at a Los Angeles auction for $471,500. The tram used to carry passengers through the park’s Tomorrowland attraction from 1967 to 1995. Other big sellers included a Rocket to the Moon attraction poster that sold for around $30,000.

5. Where to buy fried, smoked turkey in Austin.

If you’re still hesitant about frying your own bird, check out the places in Austin where you can buy one ready-made. Prices range from $30 to $80, and except for the Stuffed Cajun Meat Market, stuffing is not included.

1. Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between the World and Me” wins National Book Award for nonfiction.

During his National Book Award acceptance speech, Ta-Nehisi Coates dedicated the honor to his friend Prince Jones who was shot and killed by police 15 years ago when they wrongfully mistook him for a criminal. Coates’ book “Between the World and Me” discusses this incident and those like it that Coates says keep happening “over and over and over again.” Coates was awarded $10,000 along with the award.

2. Carly Simon reveals who “You’re So Vain” is about.

We’ve spent years wondering and all Carly Simon’s managed to do is confirm one rumor and strike up a host of others. The 70-year-old singer confirmed that her famous song “You’re So Vain” is in fact about Warren Beatty — or one verse at least. Simon said the second verse of her song is about the actor, but the other verses reference two other men, whom she vows to never reveal. Simon added that of course, Beatty “thinks the whole thing is about him!”

3. SXSW puts limited amount of wristbands on sale early.

South by Southwest was clearly looking to stir up sheer panic when it announced today that a limited number of festival wristbands would be available for $169 until sold out. The sale started at 10 a.m. this morning and is set to last two days or until wristbands are sold out. Usually wristbands aren’t available to buy until after the new year. SXSW has announced several hundred of expected performers in the last couple of months.

4. Girl featured in Sia’s “Alive” video hopes to go to the Olympics.

She’s 9 years old, most likely stronger and swifter than you and unbearably cute. People were curious to know who the small karate whiz featured in Sia’s “Alive” video was after it premiered earlier this month. The answer is three-time Japan karate champion, Mahiro Takano. Is this Sia’s new muse? Watch out Maddie Ziegler — she can certainly pack a punch.

5. Uber will deliver puppies in Austin tomorrow.

Do you need an excuse to pet a puppy? Because if the excuse is you don’t have one Uber is setting out to change that — in 15 minute increments for a $30 fee. Uber is again offering puppy delivery to work spaces in the downtown Austin area tomorrow.

https://twitter.com/Uber_ATX/status/667362932041216000

1. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey to co-host “SNL” Christmas episode.

Favorite comedic duo Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are coming home for the holidays. The two will return to “Saturday Night Live,” the show where they both got their start, to host a special holiday themed episode on Dec. 19. They’ll host alongside musical guest Bruce Springsteen. In what promises to be a funny couple of days, the show will air the day before their new movie “Sisters” is set to premiere. Can’t wait? Will maybe this week’s show featuring Matthew McConaughey and Adele can hold you over.

https://twitter.com/nbcsnl/status/666678175720673280/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

2. New Richard Linklater film to premiere at SXSW opening.

The South by Southwest Film Conference and Festival couldn’t have bestowed their opening night film honor to a more deserving Austin director; festival officials announced Tuesday that Richard Linklater’s new comedy “Everybody Wants Some” will be shown for the first time on SXSW’s opening night. The movie is expected to be similar to Linklater’s “Dazed and Confused” and focuses on college life in the 1980s.

3. Jimmie Vaughan to perform with Longhorn band during Thanksgiving halftime.

In an effort to bring a little more of that “Music Capital of the World” flavor to Longhorn halftime shows, Jimmie Vaughan will perform alongside the Longhorn band during the Thanksgiving game against Texas Tech. The blues guitarist will be the first pop music performer to play with the band during a halftime show, but the UT athletics department may continue the tradition in the future.

4. Paramount to host “Elf” pub run.

The Paramount Theater will kick off its holiday movie series with “Elf,” and as Buddy would say, “It’s my favorite!” The theater will also show a host of other holiday 35mm films like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “White Christmas.”

5. Boy appears in a Barbie ad for the first time.

A recent Barbie ad included something none before it had — a boy. The young actor featured in the ad for “Moschino Barbie” won the Internet over with his “So fierce” commentary and blonde mohawk. Mattel continues to try to reshape its brand after years of criticism that it perpetuates stereotypes.

1. Christopher Nolan’s “Memento” to be remade.

Clearly Christopher Nolan needs to take a look at the tattoo that reminds him that he already made the movie “Memento” 15 years ago. AMBI Pictures has announced it intends to remake the film that kicked off Nolan’s acclaimed directorial career, which includes movies like “Inception,” “Interstellar” and “The Dark Knight.” The company earned the rights to the 2000 thriller after recently acquiring Exclusive Media Group. “We intend to stay true to Christopher Nolan’s vision and deliver a memorable movie that is every bit as edgy, iconic and award-worthy as the original,” the co-head of the company said. Otherwise, here’s hoping for the type of selective amnesia that allows us to forget bad remakes.

2. Charlie Sheen confirms he is HIV positive.

After announcing yesterday that he planned to reveal something on “Today” Tuesday morning, Charlie Sheen announced that he is HIV-positive after being diagnosed about four years ago. Sheen admitted that the revelation was in part to end pay-offs to various people to keep the news of his illness a secret. Sheen denied that he contracted the virus through needle use, but said that he is “not entirely sure” how he contracted HIV.

3. Austin meets gold status for bike-friendliness. 

Austin’s cycling community brought home the gold when the League of American Bicyclists made it the only city in Texas to hold a “gold level status” on its list of Bicycle Friendly Communities. Only 23 other cities in the U.S. have been recognized as gold level. Austin brags 250 miles of bike lanes, B-cycle and still plenty of angry motorists.

4. Christopher Kimball to leave America’s Test Kitchen.

He started it all and now “America’s Test Kitchen” star, the beloved, bespectacled Christopher Kimball, has announced he’ll leave it behind. In an email to employees Kimball announced that he will “no longer play a role” at the company he helped found. The announcement follows rumors of trouble at the company after CEO David Nussbaum was placed above Kimball.

5. Taco Cabana to sell tamales for first time in Texas.

Taco Cabana will add tamales to its menu for the first time and offer said tamales at all Texas and Oklahoma locations. Made by San Antonio-based Tamahali, the tamales are available in pork or chicken and sell one for $1.49. There’s not a more delicious way to celebrate the holiday season.

1. Blue Bell continues to launch re-entry plan, returns to more Texas cities.

Texas cities still missing their Blue Bell won’t have unmet cravings much longer. The company announced it would launch the third of its five-phase re-entry plan Dec. 14, which will bring Blue Bell products back to the following cities: Abilene, Amarillo, Beaumont, Big Spring, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Laredo, Longview, Lubbock, Lufkin, Midland, McAllen, Odessa, San Antonio and Tyler. Although the flavor selection isn’t quite what it used to be (limited to only Buttered Pecan, Cookies ’n Cream, Dutch Chocolate, Great Divide and Homemade Vanilla) the company continues to reclaim its icon-status phase by phase.

2. Dixie Chicks announce U.S. tour for next year.

It’s been 10 years but Texas-trio the Dixie Chicks are back and “Ready to Run.” The group announced the dates for their first U.S. tour in a decade, and copping an Aug. 7 appearance is the Austin360 Amphitheater. Tickets will go on sale this Friday at ticketmaster.com. Are they finally ready to make nice? It seems public opinion, which majorly shifted following negative comments about President George W. Bush, has benefited from the group’s absence, as the tour announcement has been met with excitement.

3. Lady Gaga calls out Ronda Rousey following loss.

Ronda Rousey got a little more than a split lip and a swift hospitalization following her UFC loss to Holly Holm Sunday. The previously undefeated Rousey also got a scolding, via Instagram, from Lady Gaga. The singer took to the social media platform following the fight to say “That’s what you get for not touching gloves!” alongside a picture of Rousey taking a punch. The fighter refused to touch gloves with Holm prior the fight, a gesture of good sportsmanship.

View this post on Instagram

THATS WHAT YOU GET FOR NOT TOUCHING GLOVES!

A post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) on Nov 14, 2015 at 9:50pm PST

4. Stephen Colbert grabs coveted post-Super Bowl spot.

Only Super Bowl ad time is more valuable than the coveted post-Super Bowl spot. What might you and the over 100 million other viewers wind up watching following February’s game? CBS announced that Stephen Colbert will be the first late-night host to hold the spot, which has previously garnered millions of new viewers.

5. Anthony Bourdain visits Waffle House for the first time.

He’s had some of the most exotic dishes (raw seal eyes?) at the world’s most exclusive restaurants, and yet food critic and world-traveler Anthony “Tony” Bourdain had a lot to say about the pecan waffle he had when he ate at southern chain Waffle House for the first time. Calling the diner that never closes a “yellow beacon of hope” for the “seriously hammered,” Bourdain said his waffle was delicious and “better than The French Laundry.” But does he know about Whataburger’s breakfast?

1. Picnic and piñatas offered as part of East Austin Studio Tour exhibit.

The three giant piñatas currently occupying the Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach lawn, part of David A. Goujon’s installation “Las Piñatas,” aren’t filled with candy. Instead, shake them around and you’ll hear the resounding rattle of political commentary. The figures represent the controversial demolition of an East Austin piñata store and the rampant gentrification of the area. During this weekend’s East Austin Studio Tour Goujon will host a Piñata Picnic at the park where guests can break regular-sized piñatas.

2. Missy Elliott returns after three years away.

Remember when Katy Perry learned you don’t invite Missy Elliott to your SuperBowl halftime show unless you want to be majorly outshone? Remember the last time Missy Elliott released a solo track? Neither do we. The hip-hop legend released “WTF (Where They From),” her first single in over three years, and we found ourselves asking Where You Been. You can watch the video for the new track here.

3. List of late night eats.

Matthew Odam has released his list of the best places to eat until midnight in and around downtown. It includes pizza staple Homeslice and artisanal sausage stop Frank. Our favorite french fry, chicken strip and mozzarella stick stuffed sandwich shop Big Bite didn’t make the list.

4. South Lamar In-N-Out now open.

Now there’s one more place on South Lamar you can leave burger-in-hand. California burger chain In-N-Out has opened its fourth Austin-area location at 3701 S. Lamar, to meet all of your “animal style” needs. We’re not saying it’s no P. Terry’s, but it is actually not a P. Terry’s.

5. Jeff Buckley’s first studio recordings to be released in posthumous album next year.

Beloved crooner who tragically drowned at the age of 30 Jeff Buckley will (in a sense) return next year when Columbia Records releases an album of the artist’s first studio recordings. The tracklist of “You and I” includes a host of covers, just like the cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” that first brought him into the spotlight. The record’s release is set for March 11.

1. Shia LaBeouf tapes himself watching all of his movies consecutively in three days.

Only one more day to watch Shia LaBeouf watching himself. If you haven’t yet, be sure to tune into the live stream showing the actor as he “watches all his movies consecutively in reverse chronological order over the next three days, 24 hours a day.” He’s only cried a couple times so far, and yes that list includes “The Evens Stevens Movie.” Don’t see him? LaBeouf has taken a few short breaks in between movies to get coffee or popcorn and sleep on the floor in the back of the theater.

2. Amazon Prime Now to offer food delivery in Austin.

As if acquiring food in Austin weren’t easy enough, Amazon Prime Now members can have meals delivered to their front door much like the way they would a package. The service, priced at $99 a year, is only available in 20 cities currently, but expects to expand.

3. Campbell’s changes chicken soup recipe.

Looking for the comfort of a warm, familiar bowl of Campbell’s chicken noodle soup? Well now you’ll have the option of getting it minus 10 of the canned soup’s staple ingredients. The Campbell Soup Company announced it would knock its 30 ingredients down to 20 and do away with potassium chloride, disodium inosinate and monosodium glutamate, to name a few. The new “Star Wars Healthy Kids Shaped Pasta with Chicken in Chicken Broth,” hopes to appeal to a young, healthier generation of soup lovers.

4. Suggestions for this weekend’s East Austin Studio Tour.

With more than 400 stops and hundreds of pieces of work to view, this weekend’s East Austin Studio Tour can very easily become overwhelming. Check out our suggestions for what you can’t miss, tack on a few more and you’ve got yourself a personalized tour.

5. Veracruz All Natural to open at Hotel Vegas tonight.

Austin’s favorite bright blue Mexican food truck Veracruz All Natural will be parked outside of Hotel Vegas (1500 E. Sixth St.) starting tonight Wednesday-Saturday from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Check out the menu here.