Saturday, December 26, 2015
Monday, December 21, 2015
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Troxclair: Don’t drive ridesharing out of Austin
Check out Austin City Council Member Troxclair's (District 8) defense keeping the status quo on TNC regulations: Troxclair: Don’t drive ridesharing out of Austin
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Third company to join ride-hailing fray in Austin
Third company to join ride-hailing fray in Austin
The Austin City Council will vote on TNC regulations this Thursday. Uber and Lyft say they cannot operate in Austin under the proposed regulations, but the Dallas based Get Me says it can.
The Austin City Council will vote on TNC regulations this Thursday. Uber and Lyft say they cannot operate in Austin under the proposed regulations, but the Dallas based Get Me says it can.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Austin City Council Survey
Visit the Austin-American Statesman to take a survey about how you think the 10-1 Austin City Council has done in its first year.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Texas State Rep. Naishtat Will Not Run Again
Find out more in the Austin American Statesman. Rep. Naishtat has served District 49 since the 90's. The district currently includes Zilker, Barton Hills, Old West Austin, Downtown, Rosedale, Hyde Park, UT, and Pemberton Heights. The filing deadline is Monday, so we'll know next week who will be running for this seat in the primaries.
Austin Polled on Proposed Uber and Lyft Regs
Two competing polls have determined that in one case 70% of Austinites want the city to require enhanced regulations for Uber and Lyft while in the other case 70% don't want any changed. Not surprisingly, the wording of the question has a lot to do with results.
I started using Uber in August and Lyft in November. Both services have repeatedly given me prompt, friendly, and competitively priced service. Personally, I have always felt safe in Uber and Lyft cars as both the driver's and my whereabouts were being tracked in real time by the ride service app, and because both Uber and Lyft already conduct background checks on their drivers.
My biggest problem with cabs in the past has been lack of availability. Considering that Austin has currently issued 750 cab medallions, it should be no surprise that cab service can be quite scare during peak times. If the city is going to enact regulations that make Uber and Lyft unable to operate here, then something needs to be done in order to provide on demand ride options. The demand exists, and being able to provide more rides helps to keep addition cars off the road as well as to help reduce drinking and driving.
I started using Uber in August and Lyft in November. Both services have repeatedly given me prompt, friendly, and competitively priced service. Personally, I have always felt safe in Uber and Lyft cars as both the driver's and my whereabouts were being tracked in real time by the ride service app, and because both Uber and Lyft already conduct background checks on their drivers.
My biggest problem with cabs in the past has been lack of availability. Considering that Austin has currently issued 750 cab medallions, it should be no surprise that cab service can be quite scare during peak times. If the city is going to enact regulations that make Uber and Lyft unable to operate here, then something needs to be done in order to provide on demand ride options. The demand exists, and being able to provide more rides helps to keep addition cars off the road as well as to help reduce drinking and driving.
Friday, December 4, 2015
"Squatty Potty" Ad Is Truly Bizarre
This ad for the "Squatty Potty" is hands down the strangest commercial I have ever seen. Watch it at your discretion, and be prepared to never think of ice cream the same way again.
I assume that I am doing exactly what the advertisers hoped: sharing this for laughs with friends. In that sense, the ad is pretty effective. But, am I going to buy the product? No.
Update: a surprising number of friends have let me know that they own and love this product. But, I'm still not buying one.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Floyd Real Estate: Open House
OPEN HOUSE Sun., Nov. 1st 2-4p. Feels like country-living but still close to Austin, property sits on three acres. Three...
Posted by Floyd Real Estate on Thursday, October 22, 2015
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Floyd Real Estate
It's nice to see the Floyd Real Estate team growing. Check out the profiles for Shana Horton and Lisa Jacobs.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Monday, September 28, 2015
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Austin City Council Message to STR Owners
Austin City Council to short-term rental owners: Don’t even think of having a party...
Monday, September 21, 2015
Floyd Real Estate
Floyd Real Estate added three agents in August, and we have more signing up this month. Thus, we needed more signs.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
What Is Replacing Flipnotics
The space on Barton Springs Dr. which housed Flipnotics will reopen as SquareRut Kava Bar.
Dive Bars: Lala's
According to the Austin Business Journal, Lala's Little Nugget (the bar on Justin Lane with the Christmas theme) will reopen under new management. This news follows concern of Lala's being permanently out of business, after Eater Austin reported the bar had been closed for over a week.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Live Trivia at the Tavern
I'm filling in as host for live trivia at The Tavern, tomorrow night (9/2) from 8p-10:30p. Form a team, come early, and stake out a table.
Floyd Real Estate Adds New Agents
Floyd Real Estate is pleased to have added three new agents in August:
Visit the Floyd Real Estate website to learn more about the new agents as well as to check out some of the firm's recently sold properties.
You can keep up with new developments by becoming a follower of the Floyd Real Estate Twitter and the Floyd Real Estate Facebook Page.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Follow Up on the Trek Recall
A few months ago, I mentioned the Trek recall of certain bikes with defective front quick release mechanisms. I took mine in to the Bicycle Sport Shop earlier this summer. They fixed the problem in under 10 minutes (while I shopped for parts) and handed me the $20 gift certificate when the recall repair was over. Quick and easy.
Austin Budget-in-a-Box Results
The results from the City of Austin's Budget-in-a-Box program are now available.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Helping Out After the Floods
Interested in helping out after the recent floods in Central Texas? Visit the City of Austin to find out how: http://www.austintexas.gov/howtohelp
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Free Austin Water App
I just read this message from the City of Austin via Nextdoor.com messages to the Zilker neighborhood:
Good Day! The Austin Water Conservation Team is inviting a limited number of households in your neighborhood to take part in a pilot program to help homeowners better understand and manage their water use.
The Dropcountr app, found at the link below, will help you keep track of your water usage, set a monthly water use goal, save water and money on your utility bill, and keep you in the loop with important announcements and rebates.
There is limited space remaining, so we encourage you to sign up using the link below! Feel free to visit our website for more information and frequently asked questions – we're really excited about this program and look forward to bringing some clarity to your water use!
Or, visit Austin Water to find out more information about Dropcountr.
Friday, May 8, 2015
Zilker NA Budget in a Box Workshop
Zilker Residents:
As you may know, the City of Austin will soon begin the process of setting its budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. Please join us as the Zilker Neighborhood Association (ZNA) hosts a neighborhood Budget-in-a-Box workshop. This will be a facilitated discussion about the city’s budget, as well as services and performance. Once complete, the group’s input will be given to the city. We hope you can join us for this civic engagement.
What: Budget in a Box Workshop
When: Saturday, May 16th, from 1:30-3:30pm
Where: Meeting Room #1 - Twin Oaks Library Branch located at 1800 South 5th Street
Please RSVP to floydaustinblog [at] gmail.com if you plan to attend.
As you may know, the City of Austin will soon begin the process of setting its budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. Please join us as the Zilker Neighborhood Association (ZNA) hosts a neighborhood Budget-in-a-Box workshop. This will be a facilitated discussion about the city’s budget, as well as services and performance. Once complete, the group’s input will be given to the city. We hope you can join us for this civic engagement.
What: Budget in a Box Workshop
When: Saturday, May 16th, from 1:30-3:30pm
Where: Meeting Room #1 - Twin Oaks Library Branch located at 1800 South 5th Street
Please RSVP to floydaustinblog [at] gmail.com if you plan to attend.
Floyd Real Estate: New Listing
Just listed by Floyd Real Estate: Westlake 2/2 + loft, 1613SF, secluded end-unit condo, maple wood floors, kitchen with Silestone counters and stainless steel appliances, 2 huge decks off main living and bedrooms, attached 2-car garage, with pool and tennis courts on property.
Contact Sara Foskitt (Broker/Floyd Real Estate) at 512-917-2939 for more information. Visit the Facebook page for photos.
Want to keep up with Floyd Real Estate listings? Follow Floyd Real Estate on Facebook and on Twitter.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Trek Bike Recall
Unfortunate news: Trek Bicycles has issued a recall of almost 1M bikes manufactured between years 2000-2015. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, the recall includes all bikes with front disc brakes and a quick release level that can extend more than 180 degrees (the bikes with these levers were made in Taiwan and China then sold for price points between $480-$1650). The lever can come into contact with the brake disc, thus resulting in sudden stopping of the front wheel or complete separation from the frame. It has been reported that one person has been rendered paralyzed by injuries caused by the defective quick release lever.
If you own a Trek bike which fits the above description, you are advised to immediately contact an authorized Trek retailer to arrange for a free replacement of the defective lever (in Austin, the listed retailers are Mellow Johnny's and the Bicycle Sport Shop). Owners of the recalled bikes are advised to not ride them until the problem can be fixed. For your trouble, Trek will throw in a $20 gift certificate for its line of Bontrager gear.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Floyd Real Estate: What's Coming Soon
Follow the Floyd Real Estate Facebook Page to find out about properties that will soon be listed. The latest is a cool split-level townhouse in Westlake.
You can follow Floyd Real Estate on Twitter as well.
Dave Floyd is an Owner of & the General Counsel to Floyd Real Estate LLC.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
CM Kitchen April In-District Office Hours
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| Austin City Council District 5 |
Austin City Council Member Ann Kitchen (District 5) will have her April In-District Office Hours on April 25th from 10:30a-Noon at Wheatsville Co-op (4001 South Lamar). She'll be under an awning near the front door. Her office asks that you spread the word about this event, as it will be a great opportunity to chat about issues, ask questions, or just visit in an informal setting.
Not sure if you live in District 5? Visit the city's website for more detailed version of the above map.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Imagine Austin: Panel on Affordability
Late notice here, but there is an Imagine Austin panel tomorrow (4/14) evening (from 5p-6:30p) titled Affordability in Austin: Understanding the Potential Impact of Secondary Dwelling Units on Affordability. According to the event page, you will find answers to:
- Can I build an alley flat/secondary dwelling unit to help pay property taxes?
- Is my neighbor’s new secondary unit impacting my property taxes?
- Could these units help to provide housing for lower-income people in our community?
- Could these units provide more options for my family at different stages in life?
- Could construction of more of these units provide more affordable housing options in Austin’s neighborhoods?
The panelists include:
- Chief Appraiser of the Travis Central Appraisal District
- President of the Austin Neighborhoods Council
- Builder of affordable secondary units
- University of Texas professor who specializes in secondary housing/affordability issues.
The event will be held at the Town Lake Center at 721 Barton Springs Rd. Visit the event page for links to more information about Secondary Dwelling Units (aka Additional Dwelling Units or Granny Flats).
Zilker Neighborhood Association May General Meeting
Zilker Residents:
The Zilker Neighborhood Association will be holding its next quarterly general meeting on May 18, 2015, from 6:30p-8p at Zilker Elementary School (1900 Bluebonnet Lane 78704). Mark your calendars. Information about any speakers and topics of discussion will be forthcoming.
The Zilker Neighborhood Association will be holding its next quarterly general meeting on May 18, 2015, from 6:30p-8p at Zilker Elementary School (1900 Bluebonnet Lane 78704). Mark your calendars. Information about any speakers and topics of discussion will be forthcoming.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Habitat Young Professionals April Happy Hour
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| Austin HYP member at work on a build. |
Join the Austin Habitat Young Professionals (HYP) for their April Fundraising Happy Hour this Tuesday April 14th from 6-8:30 at The Mean Eyed Cat (1621 West 5th 78703). Find out how you can get involved with HYP, support the work of Austin Habitat for Humanity, promote affordable housing, and participate in builds. HYP Board Members and Habitat staff will be on hand to answer questions. You can RSVP via Facebook.
Friday, April 10, 2015
April Creative Fund Happy Hour
Interested in supporting performing arts in Austin? Would you like to grab a beer with people who are? Join The Creative Fund on Tuesday April 28th at The Wheel (1902-B E. MLK in 78702) for our April happy hour.
If you'd like to know more about The Creative Fund, you can visit the website or watch this video about organization's impact on artists:
The Creative Fund is a supported project of the Austin Creative Alliance. Dave Floyd is a founding member, former Vice Chair, former President, and current Board Member of The Creative Fund.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
SANA District 5 Town Hall on April 11
The South Austin Neighborhood Alliance (SANA) is hosting a Austin City Council District 5 "Listening Session" with Council Member Ann Kitchen this Saturday from 12:30-2p in the Ann Richards School Cafeteria on 2206 Prather Lane (78704).
From SANA:
This is the first of what is planned as an ongoing series of Town Hall Meetings to provide us with direct contact with our City Councilwoman Ann Kitchen and other city leaders.This is a great opportunity for District 5 residents of all ages (both renters and homeowners) to share share their opinions and concerns about the district and the city.
Plan to come and discuss the issues you feel most strongly about. She will be there to listen.
Floyd Real Estate Twitter
You can now follow Floyd Real Estate on Twitter: @Floyd_RE
And, be sure to like the Floyd Real Estate Facebook page.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Elvis' Jets Up For Auction
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| Elvis' Jet, The Lisa Marie |
First I find out that The Horseshoe Lounge is moving to a new location, and now there is news that Elvis' two jets, The Lisa Marie and The Hound Dog II, are currently up for auction. The will be sold together, and are expected to bring in $10-$15M. Neither are airworthy. The auction will also include the option to buy the land next to them, which is not owned Graceland.
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| Tail Section of Lisa Marie |
Some of Elvis' legendary shenanigans took place on the Lisa Marie. He was known to fly to Denver to buy his one of his favorite foods, the Fools' Gold sandwich. At one point he bought 22, reputedly for Lisa Marie's birthday (though elsewhere I read he flew some friends to Denver and ordered 22 of the sandwiches in advance).
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| Interior of The Hound Dog II |
The Hound Dog II is a Lockheed Jetstar, purchased by Elvis to use while the Lisa Marie was being prepared. It subsequently became his back-up plane. As you can see from interior photos, it has a very bright (Skittles-esque) color scheme. It isn't quite as decadent as The Lisa Marie, which was outfitted explicitly to Elvis's less than modest specifications.
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| Front of The Hound Dog II |
When I first read the news about the sale of the two jets, I was curious as to why. I say that because when Sara and I went to Graceland in 2010, I thought The Lisa Marie was the highlight of the tour (Elvis' "Trophy Room" was a close 2nd). Thus I was not sure why Graceland's owners, Elvis Presley Enterprises, would want to sell such an awesome tourist attraction. After some reading I discovered that Memphis resident K.G. Coker owns the jets. They have been on display at the tourist entrance to Graceland since 1985 (according to CNN, Vernon Presley sold the jets in 1978, but the Elvis estate negotiated the placement of them in 1984). Since 1984, Coker has been getting a cut of the ticket sales to tour the planes (which I recall being about $4 on top of a $35 ticket). The lease is up, with Coker and Elvis Presley Enterprises apparently unable to come to an agreement about renewal. Thus, Coker has put the planes up for sale.
The auction ends on February 2, so if you want definitely to be able to see these jets for a low, low add-on price to your Graceland ticket then find a way to get to Memphis soon. If you want in on the auction action, sealed bids are being taken now by Julien's Auctions.
All photos in the post by +Dave Floyd
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