FunFunFunFest

When FunFunFunFest first announced the line up for this years festival I was mind blown. It looked unreal. The mix of genres and styles spread out over 5 stages was incredible. I knew that it was a must that I go. I ended up securing a three day pass and immediately got everyone I knew to hurry and buy passes as well. Day one was crazy. My favorite acts from Day one was easily Public Enemy and Passion Pit. Oh and can we just say now Danzig is never allowed back in Austin. Day two picked up right where day one left off. Started out at the blue stage where Active Child performed. They came out with a harp and blew my mind. By the time they had finished the crowd had built up significantly. Death Grips, M83, Ra Ra Riot, Cecil Otter, Childish Gambino and Spoon rounded out the second day with outstanding performances. Day three. All I have to say is Odd Future and Slayer made this day absurd (in a good way). Both groups turned in two amazing performances that put a punctuation on what has become the greatest music festival in Austin.

Soulfully, Me featured BET 106 and Park

My good friend Soulfully, ME will be on 106 and Park next Wednesday, October 26th performing the song "Brighter" off his debut mixtape Confessions of a College Kid. Lastly, he will be debuting his music video for Spotlight (off of Confessions of a College Kid) and my website Soulfullyme.com as well.

http://twitter.com/Soulfully_Me
http://www.youtube.com/SoulfullyMeMusic
http://soulfullyme.bandcamp.com/

Human Centipede

Tom Six has really outdone himself this time around. The writer-director who introduced the concept of the Human Centipede to an unsuspecting public, and who made one of the most notorious horror films of the last decade, is back with a sequel that tops the original on every front. Whether that's a good thing remains to be seen however.

The Human Centipede (First Sequence) told the story of a mad doctor whose vision for society involved stitching human beings arse-to-mouth. That outlandish concept struck a chord with audiences, the film becoming a cult hit all over the world; the mixture of horror and black comedy bringing new meaning to the phrase 'tongue-in-cheek.'

The sequel retains the dark, twisted humour of the original, but takes the central premise and catapults it into far darker territory.

It begins at the tail-end of the first flick, the new-born centipede still crawling around Dr. Heiter's torture pad. The credits then roll and the camera pulls back to reveal that we are watching someone else watch the movie - namely Martin, a lonely security guard working nights in a London car park.

A sad, overweight asthmatic, he immediately garners sympathy, although it soon becomes clear that all is not well in Martin's mind. Obsessed with the original movie, he watches it on a daily basis and carries a Human Centipede scrapbook around with him, his dream to make real Dr. Heiter's insane biological plan.

What follows is a troubling journey into the heart of darkness, as Martin's efforts to stitch up humanity are juxtaposed with glimpses into his horrific home-life, culminating in a lengthy, almost unwatchable sequence of death and destruction. 
It's shocking stuff, with everything that took place off-screen in the first film happening onscreen this time around, leaving the audience in no doubt as to what centipede creation involves. But at times the extreme nature of events serves to undermine proceedings, the barrage of unpleasant images eventually becoming repetitive and at times stirring boredom rather than shock.

The film looks terrific however, Six shooting in crisp black-and-white (save for a masterful site-gag towards the end) on dark, dilapidated sets, ensuring that death and decay drips from the film's every frame.

And in actor Laurence R. Harvey - who plays mad Martin - Six has unearthed an acting gem, creating a horror icon to rival Dieter Laser's Dr. Heiter from the first film. Harvey isn't given anything to say, but his wonderfully expressive face tells you all you need to know about the twisted character, turning Martin into a truly chilling movie monster.

Yet technical expertise and a fine central performance do not a great movie make, and one wonders what the point of The Human Centipede 2 is, particularly in some troubling acts of violence towards the film's end (which have led to the BBFC making the absurd decision to ban the film in the UK).

Six is undoubtedly making a comment on how violence affects the viewer, and perhaps reacting to the ridiculous furore that surrounded Part 1. But the sequel has little smart to say on the subject, making for a somewhat empty cinema-going experience as the envelope is pushed seemingly for the sake of it.

Great horror should provoke thought as well as fear, but while the sequel succeeds with the latter, it falls short on the former front, resulting in a film that will be loved by gore-hounds, but disappoint those searching for something deeper beneath the surface.

It's all leading to Part 3 however - the conclusion to the filmmaker's planned trilogy - and it will be interesting to view the second section in that context. But on this evidence, Part 2 feels like a case of style over substance, Six succeeding in shocking his audience, but struggling to actually make us feel something beyond shock and disgust. (Review by Chris Tilly IGN UK)

Want to be a star?

Do you wake up everyday and think to yourself. Self I could be a star if I had the right oppurtunity! Well now you no longer have an excuse because the CW will be searching for the next “FACE” of CW Austin at a live audition October 25th from 2:00pm-6:00pm at The Paramount. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. So put down that hairbrush and get ready for your shot at stardom!!


VIA: http://www.thecwaustin.com/dpp/cw_star/my_events/the-cw-austin-star-auditions

It's the opportunity of a lifetime!
The CW Star receives a one-year contract to be a paid, part-time employee of The CW Austin. The CW Star will gain tons of experience through appearances on TV, radio, web and cable. Plus, the Star will be an integral part of a marketing team that is constantly looking for ways to establish The CW Austin in the community, reach out to our young demographic and engage with them. They also receive behind-the-scenes experience in event management, managing web content, production shoots and much, much, more.
The next CW Star needs to like the night life...because we want him/her in the community, on college campuses and at all kinds of central Austin events, mingling with fans of CW shows and important members of our community. The star will be recognized and have a following of fans, so being comfortable as the center of attention is a must.
The CW Star has to love the camera...because when he/she is not shooting promos...there's video blogs, interviews, man-on-the-street interactions and much more to get up on the website. Plus you'll front the station's Twitter and Facebook accounts, chatting up events, promotions, contests, the CW shows and your day-to-day life.

What does the CW Star do???
Mandy Dugan was named the 2011 CW Austin Star and has had quite an unforgettable year! She has represented the CW Austin on red carpets at SXSW, covering all things stylish at Austin Fashion Week and chatting with some of today’s hottest celebrities! Mandy has interviewed everyone from Oscar winners to late night comedians: Conan O’ Brien, Kristen Wigg, Kevin James, Perez Hilton, Jodi Foster and more! Mandy even had the opportunity of playing a little golf with the hilarious Will Ferrell! This past year she brought her sass and charm as the official MC of the Austin Fashion Week “Style, Speed and Glory” Kick Off Party and other major Austin events. Another part of her year was using the power of social media to promote the CW Austin, as well as, all the latest happenings in the Austin community. For more information check out Mandy’s full bio on thecwaustin.com!

KAPPAWEEN!

Recently on twitter I came accross @KAPPAWEEN and become very curious. After looking into it more I now need to go. This event is going to be HUGE. Follow them and @UTNUPES for chances to get free KappaBands and a chance for a KappaBus pass. You can also order them at http://www.UTNUPES.com

Sorry!

Okay I will be the first to admit that I have been slacking completely when it comes to updating the blog. The problem comes when I have to choose between going out and taking part in the numerous activities that Austin has to offer and sitting home writing a blog. I'm going to try to write a new post atleast once a week and every monday give a weekend recap. Also every Friday I will try to put up a short list of places to go for the weekend. Any other suggestions are more than welcome and can be directed to ATXFollowers@Gmail.com. Thank you!!

Central Texas Fires

One of the most devastating wildfire outbreaks in Texas history left more than 1,000 homes in ruins Tuesday and stretched the state's firefighting ranks to the limit. Most of us want to help but obviously most of us our not firefighters. If you want to help out you can donate items or money to help out people who have had to evacuate or had there homes destroyed. Here is a list of things you can do to help. 

• The Thrift Shop at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection is accepting donations for victims. The shop at 2008 Justin Lane will take donations of clothing, housewares and toiletries, which will be taken to distribution centers.
• To help the families affected by the Steiner Ranch fire, Austin Christian Fellowship is taking donations of bottled water, sports drinks, non-perishable snacks, toiletries, work gloves, heavy duty trash bags, flashlights, batteries and pet food. Donations can be taken to 6401 River Place Boulevard.
• Collections are also being taken in the Liberty Hill area. You can call Chuck Licata at 512-466-7751 to help.
• Anyone in Hays County hoping to volunteer or donate water and food for firefighters or evacuees can contact Volunteer Coordinator Lidia Contreras at 512-393-7302.
• The OASIS on Lake Travis has announced it will be a drop off point for the Austin/Bastrop fire victims. The restaurant is accepting donations as well as water, work gloves, toiletries, non-perishable food items, clothing, trash bags, and flash lights with batteries. Boxes and donation jars will be in the lobby area starting Monday afternoon.
• The Austin Disaster Relief Network is currently assisting victims of the fires. Organizers say donations of food and clothing can be taken to any local food bank or charity.
• Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. Disaster Response(LSSDR)is accepting monetary donations for the fire victims here:www.lsss.org/give-now
• Cash donations should be made directly to the Red Cross of Central Texas.
• Foundation Christian Ministries in Cedar Creek is setting up a donation/supply center on its campus located at 177 Union Chapel Rd. E., Bastrop, TX 78602.
• Catholic Charities of Central Texas will accept donations for wildfire victims on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Donations can be brought to the Diocese of Austin Pastoral Center at 6225 Highway 290 East from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Donations will also be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Catholic Charities of Central Texas in Austin at 1817 East Sixth Street. Organizers are asking for donations of the following items:
• Medical Supplies
  • BP Cuff
  • Nebulizer
  • Thermometer
  • Glucometer
  • Pen lights
  • Tongue Depressors
  • Ibuprofen
  • Gauze Wrap
  • ACE Bandages
  • Neosporin Cream
  • Bandages
• Other Supplies:
  • Sleeping Bags
  • Blankets
  • Pillows
  • Towels
  • Shampoo
  • Body wash
  • Toothpaste
  • Paper Plates, Cups, Napkins, Plastic Utensils
  • Deodorant Sprays for men and women
  • Disposable Razors
  • Shaving Cream
  • Baby Wipes
  • Size 4 Diapers
  • Baby Shampoo
  • Sanitizer
• Donations can be taken to the Click Computers of Georgetown store, located at 1102 S Austin Ave, Suite 109, Georgetown, TX through Friday, Sept. 16.
• The Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (CAFB) is requesting assistance in the following ways: Financial donations to CAFB can be made at www.austinfoodbank.org. Funds raised will go directly to helping CAFB in this disaster response.  The relief effort will be long-term and monetary donations will be necessary for many months.
  CAFB food donations can be made at the following locations:
• CAFB warehouse located at 8201 S. Congress Avenue, Austin , TX 78745 (8-5 p.m. or leave in boxes on dock outside of those hours)North Donation Spots for CAFB
• Georgetown – Caring Place at  2000 Railroad St., Georgetown, TX 78627 -- 512-869-473
• Round Rock Serving Center at 1099 East Main St., Round Rock, TX 78664 -- 512-244-2431
• SVDP Round Rock -- 620 Round Rock West -Round Rock, TX 78681 -- 512-255-2330
• The Cedar Creek Middle School teachers will be hosting a donation drive on Saturday, Sept. 10 in the Canterbury Trails subdivision in South Austin. Donations can be dropped off at the park in Canterbury Trails from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
• To hold a food drive at your workplace, school, church etc., CAFB has large food donation boxes available for pick up at their warehouse. Once filled please return to CAFB or call 512-282-2111 to arrange for a pick up.
• Most desired food donations are healthy, non-perishable items such as:
  -       Water, Gatorade
  -       Ready to eat meals preferably with pull up or pop tops, e.g. chili, stew, canned pasta w/sauce
  -       Single serving snacks such as protein or granola bars
  -       Lunchables or other single serving foods that do not require refrigeration
  -       Diapers
  -       Baby formula

• Other locations taking donations:

350 Discovery Blvd in Cedar Park

Paul Mitchell The School: 15635 Vision Drive, Ste 107, Pflugerville

Hill Country Bible Church: 12124 Ranch Road 620 North, Austin

Catholic Health Association: 6225 E. Highway 290

St. Williams Catholic Church in Round Rock

The Burnet County Sheriff's Office at 1601 E. Polk Burnet, Texas

The Spicewood Community Center

Cabela's in Buda will accept donations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 15570 IH-35

Austin Pets Alive is asking for food and supplies to help with the amount of animals they are getting in. Items can be brought to them or money donated through there website.