AltWeeklies Wire
Revolutionary to Rat: The Uneasy Journey of Brandon Darbynew
At first glance, Brandon Darby seems a typical Austin lefty activist. But ask around Austin activist circles, and a more contradictory portrait emerges.
Austin Chronicle |
Diana Welch |
01-26-2009 |
Policy Issues
Big Bucks for Buildersnew
The Colorado construction industry is banking on $1.4 billion of President Obama's bailout bucks. Governor Ritter plans to use that economic stimulus money putting jobless builders back to work on road repair projects. Commendable, sure, but the plan lacks excitement.
Westword |
Kenny Be |
01-26-2009 |
Housing & Development
Despite Tough Times, Energy Conservation Bills Gain Traction in Legislaturenew
"Going green" used to be considered a luxury, especially in a faltering economy. But as the Texas Legislature convened last week amid a budget squeeze, a determined coalition of lawmakers and lobbyists acted on the premise that conserving energy is nothing less than an absolute necessity.
Dallas Observer |
Megan Feldman |
01-26-2009 |
Environment
Downtown Dallas at the Crossroadsnew
Dallas's effort to clean up downtown could cost the city important parts of history.
Dallas Observer |
Robert Wilonsky |
01-26-2009 |
Housing & Development
Tags: Dallas, Development
Holy Hustler: Miami Pastor Will Save City's Soul — If He Can Stay Out of Jailnew
Pastor Vincent Spann is one of Miami's most complex characters: He's a disgraced former drill sergeant who has gained national prominence for rescuing legions of addicts using military discipline, supernatural faith, and flimflam.
Miami New Times |
Gus Garcia-Roberts |
01-26-2009 |
Religion
Tags: Miami, Vincent Spann
A Pro Gambler's Guide to Gaming the Super Bowlnew
Professional gambler "Noah" knows how the average bettor can make a mint on the big game. Only he's no average bettor.
Seattle Weekly |
Damon Agnos |
01-26-2009 |
Sports
Philadelphia Casino Debate Taxes Neighborly Relationsnew
In Philadephia's Fishtown neighborhood the battle between pro- and anti-casino neighbors was ugly from the start. The community battle over the casino has ballooned into accusations of secret alliances, online name-hurling, point-by-point chesslike sparring matches and even reports of physical intimidation.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
01-26-2009 |
Housing & Development
Better Off Led: Mockstars Are the New Rockstarsnew
Ironically, through performing the music of Led Zeppelin, almost-famous Paul Sinclair is closer than ever to grasping rock 'n' roll's elusive brass ring. He's gone from rockstar to mockstar and back again. And in this day and age at least, the difference is becoming more and more slight.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Brian McManus |
01-26-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: tribute bands, Get the Led Out
How Boutique Booze Could Help Change the Lives of Poor Farmersnew
When restaurateur Jean-Denis Courtin decided to make his own vodka, he wanted it to be not only original but also "all natural, fair trade, and additive free." In the mountains of South America, he found a way to have it all.
Chicago Reader |
Julia Thiel |
01-26-2009 |
Food+Drink
Outrageless: Is Chicago More Complacent Than Other Big Cities?new
Big news in Chicago can be something of an illusion. Look closely after a media feeding frenzy subsides and you’ll often see that not only has little or nothing changed but no actual confrontation of any consequence has taken place between the powers that be and outraged elected officials, activists, and citizens.
Chicago Reader |
Michael Miner |
01-26-2009 |
Commentary
British Columbia Municipal Cops Call for Federal Police Accountabilitynew
Municipal police officers in British Columbia want Royal Canadian Mounted Police forces doing contract police work in the province to be accountable to the same civilian-oversight process for public complaints as the municipal police are.
The Georgia Straight |
Carlito Pablo |
01-26-2009 |
Policy Issues
Hopelessness You Can Count On
Americans think politics is something that happens on Election Day. They vote, wash their hands, hope the guy who won does a good job and go back to watching TV. Unless Obama's supporters lean on him to do the right thing, however, there's little reason to think he'll make things better.
Maui Time |
Ted Rall |
01-26-2009 |
Commentary
Tags: Barack Obama
Dead Because He Knew Too Much?new
If there was a plot to steal the 2004 election in Ohio, GOP consultant Michael Connell knew about it.
Cleveland Scene |
James Renner |
01-23-2009 |
Policy Issues
Who's Running the Tennessee House Now?new
In a surprise vote that turned the legislature into a pit of snapping vipers, the Republican Kent Williams was elected House speaker in a clandestine deal with the Democrats. What happens next is a question that now occupies the Capitol.
Nashville Scene |
Jeff Woods |
01-23-2009 |
Politics
State of Street Art: Vandalism Or Legit, It's Not Going Awaynew
St. Louis is home to a budding street-art community and a talented group of graffiti-inspired gallery artists. But it's a precarious existence plagued by a broad range of conflicts. Yet the artists persist, hoping their hometown's resistance will eventually give way to understanding and acceptance.
Riverfront Times |
Keegan Hamilton |
01-23-2009 |
Art
