Starting this week, Americans traveling to (and through) the United Kingdom will need to fill out an application for the new electronic travel authorization (ETA). The "through" part is important to note, as even fliers stopping in the UK for a layover will need an ETA. Applications can be done online or through an app (it appears they would greatly prefer you apply through the phone app). The cost is £10. For more information and details on the application and what an ETA permits, you can visit the ETA specific webpage of the UK Home Office.
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Sunday, January 5, 2025
UK Begins ETA Requirement on January 8th
Friday, January 3, 2025
F1: 2025 Schedule
A Bad Day for Verstappen Back in 2016 |
The 2025 Formula racing schedule is out. US races are:
- Miami, May 2-4
- Austin, October 17-19
- Las Vegas, November 20-22
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Air Travel: New Non-Stop Flights for Austin
KXAN recently posted an article about new non-stop flights coming to Austin. Delta is enhancing service while American is backing off (I've read AA would now rather utilize the DFW hub than keep up with their former plan to enhance their AUS presence.). This should be good news if you are a Delta SkyMiles or American Express points earner here in Austin. Also, the Delta Lounge at AUS is a nice place to hang out before a flight.
Food: Statesman Notes 17 New Restaurants Opening in 2025
You may have already seen the list of Austin restaurants closing in 2024. There were many places on that list which will be missed. However, you can feel better knowing that Austin has plenty of new restaurants on the way in 2025. The Austin-American Statesman has profiled seventeen of them which they think are worth noting (I'd knock it down to 16, as one will be a private club).
Personally, I'm most excited about the return of Katz's (to its original location, no less). Its absence has been missed by me and several of my friends.
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Southwest Companion Pass Updates
The travel blog A View From the Wing has gone into detail about how the Southwest Companion Pass will work under the new assigned seating rules set to go into effect in 2026. If you aren't familiar with the Companion Pass: it allows you to designate a "companion" who will fly with you for free (excluding minor airport fees and the possible upgrade charges) on any flight throughout the year you have it. For our Austin located household's domestic (plus Mexico) air travel needs, this is the best deal we've run across.
2024 was a slow year for us to travel together, and we were still able to use it on three trips. It would have been five, but for some last-minute scheduling conflicts (we'll have 2025, Nashville and Santa Fe). I did end up in Santa Fe and Nashville this summer, but the former was a camping road trip with friends and the latter a cross country road trip helping family move. Both stops were fun, with many enchiladas and BBQ items consumed in their respective locales.
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Floyd Real Estate Celebrates First Decade in Business
I'm pleased to report that Floyd Real Estate, LLC, is 10 years old. Since launching the business we have done residential and commercial transactions. We have enjoyed working with our clients and look forward to another exciting decade here in the Austin metro area (and who knows.. maybe elsewhere). Contact us if you're thinking of buying or selling property in the Central Texas area.
Note: The above photo is from Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico. It's a fun hike, right next to Taos Ski Valley. I recommend it if you are in the area during non-snow months.
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
What Dogs Can Eat at Thanksgiving
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Monday, July 8, 2024
Hurricane Season: It's Just Starting
As Beryl continues to rip through east and southeast Texas, a friendly reminder of where we are in hurricane season...
— Avery Tomasco (@averytomascowx) July 8, 2024
Long way to go #txwx pic.twitter.com/864N8BgrEC
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Zilker Area Food: New Tacodeli to Open Soon
And by soon, I mean the new Tacodeli at 1817 South Lamar will have its grand opening on July 17th. According to the article, this stand-alone location will feature a bar as well as a pet friendly patio.
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Annual Heat-Realted Illness Post
Said 2020 post also has a few tips for dealing with the heat.
Pictured below: avoiding the Austin heat with friends while in New Mexico last month...
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
F1 Arcade Heading to Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas
A massive 'F1 Arcade' is coming to The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, featuring the most advanced full-motion racing simulators in the world.
— Las Vegas Locally 🌴 (@LasVegasLocally) May 20, 2024
It is unclear if the games will include the Las Vegas Grand Prix's signature "flying manhole" hazard. pic.twitter.com/mMb2wxTuze
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Ghostbusters Ornament
Fans of the original Ghostbusters: starting on July 13th, Hallmark will be selling a lighted "Roast Him" Christmas tree ornament featuring the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. If you've seen the movie, you know what I'm talking about.
Lake Austin and Lake Buchanan Watersheds
Here's where the rain needs to fall to fill up Lake Austin and Lake Buchanan:
Fun fact: 7.2 BILLION gallons of water has been added to Lake Buchanan in just the last 24 hours thanks to heavy rain upstream.
— Avery Tomasco (@averytomascowx) May 6, 2024
Currently, about 650 million gallons of water is flowing into Lake Buchanan every hour🙌 pic.twitter.com/1uMbmR6iYD
Austin Area Lake Levels
In case you are wondering, here's where the levels of Lakes Travis and Buchanan are after the recent rains:
LAKE LEVELS at Lake Travis & Lake Buchanan via @lcra. https://t.co/UAJT9yS1wP #lakelevels pic.twitter.com/hLYv13VijZ
— Chikage Windler WX (@ChikageWeather) May 7, 2024
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Monday, January 15, 2024
BMW B58 Engine: How to Refill Coolant
Friday, December 15, 2023
Austin Air Travel: Delta Adds New Routes
Delta Sky Lounge in Austin |
The Points Guy reports that Delta is adding several new routes to Austin, including direct service to Nashville.
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Happy 9th Anniversary, Floyd Real Estate!
I'm pleased to report that Floyd Real Estate, LLC, is 9 years old. Since launching the business we have done residential and commercial transactions. We have enjoyed it and look forward to another exciting year. Contact us if you're thinking of buying or selling property in the Central Texas area.
Thursday, November 23, 2023
Dogs and Thanksgiving Food
Check out this handy chart I got from the Heart of Texas Lab Rescue. Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
REI Mastercard: 10% Back Offer
Me, With Many Items Purchased at REI |
If you have the REI Mastercard, from today until November 9th they are offering 10% back in rewards (instead of the usual 5%). This is on top of the regular dividend arrangement REI has. No tricks; just the treat of extra funds back to spend on more REI gear.
Friday, October 6, 2023
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Friday, September 1, 2023
Zilker Area Food: Uncle Nicky's Opening a Location on South Lamar
Uncle Nicky's, an Italian restaurant which has its original location in Austin's Hyde Park, will be opening a location on South Lamar sometime soon. I haven't been to the Hyde Park location, but I have heard good things from friends.
In other South Lamar food news: I was at Walgreen's a few days ago and noticed progress on the building of the future Hattie B's location. I do not yet know when that one will officially open, but I'm looking forward to delicious hot chicken once it does. As I have mentioned in the past, I try to stop by Hattie B's every time I visit Nashville.
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Zilker Area News: Barton Springs Road
You may have heard the rumors or seen the construction going on between Zilker Park and South Lamar. KUT explains what the city is up to, and how it will involve fewer lanes for driving.
Thursday, July 13, 2023
1984 - Coffee Achievers
Monday, July 3, 2023
HEB July 4th
I had this question for myself, so I'm sharing it with you: will HEB be open tomorrow?
The answer is: other than the pharmacy, HEB will be operating during normal hours.
Friday, June 30, 2023
Summer Heat
I posted this back in summer of 2020, but given the early heat in June - here in Austin, anyway - it seems like a good time to remind people about the symptoms of and remediation for various heat related illnesses. The 2020 post also has a few tips for dealing with the heat.
Note: I did beat the heat last weekend via proximity to the Pacific. Not an option for every weekend, but it was a nice trip.
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Zilker Food: South Lamar Southside Flying Pizza Is Open
After a few months of remodeling, the South Lamar location of Southside Flying Pizza is open again.