Peeves: Twitter Applications

I've had nothing but trouble with these things. Yes, the idea of having the multiple columns of twitter feed categories and the URL shorteners built into the send bar is nice. But, stupid things keep happening with mine.

First, there was Tweetdeck. I really liked it, especially that submarine noise it makes when a new tweet comes in. But, my relationship with Tweetdeck began to go south with the iPhone app locked me out. This was less annoying than when the first version of ETrade Mobile for iPhone would shut the phone down, but nevertheless irksome. Then, after upgrading to Windows 7, Tweetdeck on my laptop decided to lock me out completely. I tried a couple of uninstall/reinstalls, but Tweetdeck will also say that my Twitter handle is taken and/or I don't have the right password. While the former is true, the latter is not as I know exactly what the password is. Thus thoroughly annoyed, I switched to Seesmic.

It wasn't the cute raccoon logo which sold me, but rather CNET's recommendation of this application. For the most part, it functions well. Sometimes it freezes up if I turn it on after my computer has been in sleep mode for a while. Also, sometimes the bit.ly URL function does weird things. These are minor problems. What's really annoying is that it is inserting feeds of people I'm not following. And, they seem to be porn links, or bad bands, ridiculous people, or possibly some combination of all of these things. Since there is a commonality, I'm assuming that someone has figured out how to trick Seesmic into inserting their non-sense into Seesmic organized feeds without the consent to the Seesmic user. It would be nice if Seesmic can figure out how to put the kybosh on this.

Events: HYP Build The Love

The HYP Build the Love fundraiser is around the corner. Here's the text from the Facebook event page:

Join us Wednesday February 3rd at Moonshine Grill for HYP Build The Love 2010 !!!!
Anyone who had the chance to come last time knows what a fun event event this is, and this year should be no exception. Come by any time between 6pm to 9pm for Wine Tasting, Delicious Food and Live Music! Tickets are only $25 for HYP Members & $35 and are available on the HYP blog, as well as at the door for the event itself.

Or, click here to get your Build the Love tickets.

Food

The gf and I finally made it to the 24 Diner on Saturday night. This place is quite good. Not only is the food delicious (what else would you except from a restaurant with the same owners of Paggi House), but moreover everything on the menu is locally grown and/or organic.

I ordered the patty melt and was quite pleased. The burger itself was made from organic ground brisket. Very good. By the time I was finished, there was no room for the peanut butter and chocolate milkshake I had initially considered. I thus put it on the list for the next visit, along with the pork chop.

Events

Planning continues for the Catalyst 8 Mad Hatter Tea Party, set for February 24th at the Allan House. This is going to be a good one. Maker's Mark and Tito's are the liquor sponsors. The Southern Sirens burlesque group will be performing, and we will have models dressed up as various characters from Alice in Wonderland. Need I say more? Ok, one more thing: Catalyst 8 runs the Boost Rental Subsidy Program, which helps emerging performing arts groups pay for use of the Rollins Theatre at the Long Center. We're funding over 100 nights of performances this year.

Also, Austin Habitat Young Professionals will have our annual Build the Love fundraiser on February 3rd. Like last year, our generous pals at Moonshine are giving us the venue. It will be a lot of fun as well. You can't go wrong with an evening of live music, wine tasting, and tasty food all for $25/$35 (member/non-member). And, of course, funds raised go to help build affordable housing in Austin.

Food

I may be addicted to hot dogs from Chris' Little Chicago. I've been there twice this week, and I could easily go back for more. I am restraining myself, though, by not ordering the deep fried dogs anymore. I don't think enough fish oil exists to counteract that.

Here's the deal with Chris':

-delicious Vienna Beef dogs
-tasty homemade chili
-Chicago style dressings, for those of you who like that sort of thing
-other Chicago products, like "Italian Beef" sandwiches

Events: Planning for Catalyst 8's 2010 Bash Is Already Underway

2009 Catalyst 8 Bash, seen from outside The Long Center

Plans are underway for the 2010 Catalyst 8 Bash, which is scheduled for August. This year's theme is going to be digital art. As a digital photography enthusiast, I'm looking forward to scouting for digital art to feature at the event.

Bash '09 was one of my favorite parties of the year. Our featured artist was Steve Dubov, and we had a private performance by The Black and White Years.  Also, Illios Lighting blew things up with an incredible LED wall synced to the DJ's music.

I'm expecting this year's Bash to exceed the already high bar set last year.

Interesting

The Hideout Theatre is running a project called Austin Secrets. Austinites are invited to anonymously send in personal secrets on postcards. Secrets will be incorporated into weekly shows (10pm, Saturdays now through the end of February). Here's what the Hideout has to say about the shows:

In every show we’ll use improvisation to explore secrets anonymously submitted by you and other Austinites. Serious secrets will be treated with proper respect, and more lighthearted secrets will be a chance to cut loose, so expect a mix of drama, comedy, and everything in between.

This looks very cool and I plan to attend one of the shows.

Fun in Austin

Tavern Trivia

If you haven't been yet, I highly recommend trivia night at The Tavern (Wednesdays at 7pm). Austin Pub Quiz runs the event and uses an 8 round format. I'm only good at the nerd rounds, but there is plenty of opportunity for those of you good at movie and TV quotes, name that tune, and movie and TV theme songs.

Sadly, during the last game, the only TV theme song I could identify was Airwolf.

Winners get to take home and decorate the trophy. Look closely for the Captain Kirk bobblehead and the Imperial Palace casino chip. Those were my additions.

Highball

If you've been in laid up in the hospital, or incarcerated in the third world and just cleared of your trumped up charges, then I understand how you can be in Austin but haven't yet been to The Highball. I'm not sure why it took the Austin Chronicle until January 8 to write a review. If you have been, then you know how much fun this place is. Needless to say, if you haven't been yet then get down to Highball to bowl on lanes imported from New Orleans (formerly of the famous Rock n' Bowl) and to hit one of the karaoke rooms. Also, order the fried shrimp plate. Trust me on this one. Furthermore, if Broken Lizard is there: even if their female friends offer you a cupcake, the guys probably do not actually want you to eat it.