Wednesday, July 4, 2007

It's not that difficult

Ok, I know it's not a critical world issue, but there is one thing that bugs me. Spelling. Spelling words that are not that difficult to spell.

Once and for all, it is independence, not independance.

It didn't bother me at first. Then I saw it spelled this way on some computer programs. Ok, it's a program, not a novel, right? Then it popped up in some important engineering manuals. It's a freakin manual, you say, not a piece of British literature. Ok, fine. But soon thereafter, it's everywhere. Posters, announcements, invitations, emails, blogs, newspapers and corporate websites.

Today I was looking at www.austin360.com and checking out a few events in Austin. This is what I found. Celebrate my Independance? Are they serious? We, the United States of America, the wealthiest and most powerful (arguably) nation in the world, are celebrating something we can't even spell? Honestly, doesn't something seem wrong with this picture??


Monday, July 2, 2007

Highly Recommended

This past Saturday, I was feeling quite exhausted from everything going on right now. Between working, exercising, and other endless responsibilities, it seems there are barely enough hours in the day to eat and sleep. Who actually has time to relax these days?

Well, this weekend I decided I'd make some time. I decided to just chill for a night, and looked around for a new hang-out spot. After a little bit of searching, I found a great place near campus, La Tazza Fresca. You can get a huge cup of tea for less than $2, a snack while you're at it, and hear some good live music while you relax. Tons of different kinds of tea, smoothies, muffins and more.



What's more is that it's locally owned. The owner, the employees (well obviously), the musicians. Given all the great local places here in Austin, I don't think I'll be setting foot in another Starbuck's again (unless I'm dragged in kicking and screaming). Honestly, who would prefer sitting in a cookie-cutter coffee shop that has 5 identical stores within a 1-mile radius, and buying a ridiculously overpriced coffee, just so the monstrous corporation can take those profits and build another 5 stores in the very next neighborhood?

As for me, I prefer supporting local Austin business. So should you. If you're an Austinite, check out La Tazza Fresca, at 37th and Guadalupe. Go on a Friday or Saturday (live music nights) when you just want to relax and take a break from the downtown routine.