Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Ode to the Breakfast Taco
Austin is a breakfast taco town: eggs, cheese, maybe some bacon or chorizo or potatoes, in a tortilla. Simple, fast, tasty, and cheap! You can eat it on the go. Hearty, and filling, I try to eat as many breakfast tacos as I can while I’m in Austin. But not all in one sitting, of course. The New York Times also recently published a piece on the mighty breakfast taco.
For quick and easy tacos near the Convention Center, there’s a Taco Shack located in the Frost building (402 Brazos, at 4th Street). It’s a fast food restaurant without table service, but it’s quite convenient. But they cater to the weekday breakfast and lunch crowds, so if you sleep in, you’ll miss out. Monday through Friday they’re open 6:30AM to 2:30PM, and on Saturday, they’re open 7AM to 1PM. And they are closed on Sundays.
Many coffee shops around town also get breakfast tacos delivered in the morning and keep them warm in a steam table for your enjoyment. I’ve definitely grabbed some breakfast tacos to go from the Hideout (617 Congress Avenue, at 7th). I’ve also read that they are available at Downtown Jo’s (242 West 2nd, between Colorado and Lavaca), Progress Coffee (500 San Marcos St at 5th), El Chilito Dos (918 Congress Ave, at 9th), and El Sol y La Luna (600 East 6th, at Red River). Unfortunately, one of my favorite breakfast taco joints downtown, Las Manitas, closed.
And if you have a fever for breakfast tacos in Austin, check out Taco Journalism’s list of the best breakfast tacos in town (will require a ride to get out of downtown Austin).
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Film Festival Tips for Real People
Larry Richman of the Independent Film Analysis blog has been writing up a great, four-part series for Film Festival attendees:
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kathryn on 03/09 at 10:13 PM
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SXSW Tips: Bring Good Shoes
Wear the most comfortable shoes you own. Now is not the time to break in new shoes. Especially because the Austin Convention Center is nearly 900,000 square feet of space!
Expect a lot of walking, especially to get from one panel room to another. Budget a good 10-15 minutes to get from point A to point B.
Plus you will be standing, a lot, in long lines, waiting for a table at a restaurant, talking to new friends at parties, or taking in live music. Hours of standing on end, which you may not be accustomed to.
I typically purchase padded insoles, for shock absorption.
Bring multiple pairs of comfortable shoes, so you can air them out and alternate. (I really like DC brand sneakers because they have padding and are wider than most.)
Closed-toe shoes work better, because Sixth Street gets quite dirty after night after night of parties, and the bars are often really crowded.
Sometimes it rains, so don’t bring any shoes that bleed if they get wet. Leave those flimsy slippers and smelly flip-flops at home.
Posted by
kathryn on 03/09 at 09:34 PM
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SXSW Tips: SXSW On Your Mobile Device
Before I arrive in Austin, I find it helpful to bookmark all of the relevent SXSW Mobile sites and install any SXSW mobile applications. Do this at home, before you find yourself somewhere where they charge for the wifi (airport, hotel) or there’s a potentially flaky connection (hotel, convention center, AT&T)! My recommendations:
- The official schedule on my.sxsw.com, which now also has a mobile version. You’ll be able to add and remove events from your computer, and access them on the go using the mobile version. You should be automatically redirected when you visit on your mobile phone. There is also a free my.SXSW iPhone application that includes syncing of events as well as offline access of most features, except for Maps and Search. Having trouble? You may need to delete and reinstall the application.
- Additionally, the unofficial scheduling site sched.org has launched a free SXSW 2010 version at sxsw2010.sched.org. It will format itself automatically when you visit on a mobile device. Additionally, they are offering an iPhone application very soon which includes syncing of events as well as full offline access.
- Don’t forget your favorite location-based social networking application. Foursquare or Gowalla (these links are for iPhone apps) seem to be the weapons of choice this time around. And there are definitely special SXSW-only treats for users of both. Users of Gowalla can win VIP passes to the Gowalla Tiki Room during SXSWi, while users of Foursquare during SXSWm can win entry into SPIN’s invite-only party at Stubb’s BBQ. And if you’re attending SXSW Music, you may also want to install the Levi’s Fader Fort application for iPhone/Android, built to support their unofficial SXSW parties.
- And I’m sure you already have your favorite Twitter client installed, or m.twitter.com or mobile.twitter.com bookmarked.
- Having trouble updating due to poor signal? Use your cell phone to send text messages to Twitter, instead. For US-based customers, send a text message to 40404.
- If you happen to drive somewhere during SXSW and need a designated driver to accompany you home, try out TipsyTaxiATX. They’ll send someone to drive you home, apparently!
- The GetHuman iPhone application isn’t specifically about SXSW but it’s helpful to find airline customer service numbers if you happen to be traveling by air to Austin.
From the Austin Airport to Downtown for Only $1
A ride to and from the airport for only 75 cents $1? And it’ll drop you right along 6th Street? That’s right. If you’re trying to save money during SXSW, instead of taking a cab, you can take the bus!
The Route 100 Airport Flyer starts at the University of Texas campus, proceeds through Austin’s Central Business District and follows a direct route to Bergstrom. Here are some of the stops it makes downtown:
- 6th Street and Neches (Downtown Hilton Hotel)
- 6th Street and Brazos
- 6th Street and Congress Avenue
- 6th Street and Lavaca
More information about the Airport Flyer.
UPDATE: We’ve been advised that bus fare is now $1.
SXSW Tips: Twitter and South By
Don’t get overwhelmed by Twitter at SXSW! Twitter is basically the easiest way to keep in touch with your fellow SXSWers, but people at SXSW are a chatty bunch. I don’t know about you, but I’m hesitant about allowing Twitter to send my friends’ updates to my phone, given how many people I follow.
But if you do have SMS updates on, I recommend setting Twitter off during sleeping hours, say between 1 AM and 8 AM.
If you don’t have SMS updates on, you might also want to turn on direct message forwarding to SMS. Tell people to DM you if they want to arrange a meetup and you’ll receive their message as a text message. Simply reply back “D username” with your reply, to direct message them back.
I hope you all increased your SMS plans with your cellular provider already! Now would be a good time to call to either add a text messaging plan or increase your allotment.
You may also want to warn your Twitter friends that you’re going to SXSW, and that it’s OK to unsubscribe from you or snooze you for a little while.
Hint: if you’re on AT&T, dial *DATA# to see your remaining text messages for this billing cycle. You’ll get a text message back with your billing cycle date, data usage so far in this cycle, and text messages used so far.
I also recommend using some of the more advanced features of Twitter to stay on top of things.
You can change your notification preferences for specific people by clicking on the Device Settings icon next to their username. This way you can choose to only receive some people’s tweets via SMS.
Search for information in real time on search.twitter.com. Try plugging in event names, venue names, or panel names, if you’re curious what people are thinking at any given time.
I’ve also collated some interesting people on Twitter on my SXSW list.
And of course don’t forget to give out your username when you meet someone new, and get theirs in return!
Get a Free Ride from the Airport Courtesy of the New Pornographers
Flying into Austin for SXSW Music? Matador Records and the New Pornographers have just announced a free shuttle from the airport for attendees! It’s only Wednesday March 17th and seats are limited.
The “Together Shuttle” will be providing complimentary service to the Austin Convention Center and several downtown hotels, with free cocktails and a sneak listen of the band’s new album.
Wanna ride? Sign up now.
SXSW Examiner on What to Pack
Getting ready for SXSW already? The SXSW Examiner has some good tips on what to bring. We heartily second the suggestions of earplugs, allergy medication, and dressing in layers.
Posted by
kathryn on 03/09 at 12:53 PM
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SXSW Tips: Documenting Your Experience With Photos
Pics, or it didn’t happen, right? I always bring my digital camera to SXSW with extra memory cards and charged batteries and the battery charger. And a camera cable or card reader to transfer images to my computer. It might help to clear off some hard drive space (and do a backup) before you arrive.
By the way, if you plan on putting your extra camera batteries into checked luggage and it’s lithium, put it in a separate plastic baggie.
Oh, and do turn off the fake shutter sound on your camera. Nothing says “I’m a newbie taking a picture of the panel! Look at me!” like hearing those little beeps. Same for your smart phone: turn off any annoying “fake shutter” sounds if you can.
Before you leave, set your smartphone up to send photographs to your preferred mobile uploading service: Twitpic, Yfrog, Flickr, etc. and your favorite uploading application. I like to set it up so that Flickr automatically adds a “sxsw” or “sxsw 2010” tag, too.
You may also want to post your photos to Twitter using the #sxsw or #sxswi hashtag.
SXSW Tips: Unofficial Party Lists
Given that plans can change at any given moment, I always find it useful to bookmark and/or print out some of the unofficial SXSW party lists. I’ll fold up the printout and slip it into my bag, in addition to having a schedule of my own picks. This can be useful if the daytime party you want to attend is already full.
My favorites are:
Austin360.com’s SXSW on the Side list (all parties and events for SXSW Interactive, Film, and Music)
Showlistaustin (only unofficial events for SXSW Music, with a comprehensive listing of free daytime events)
Don’t forget to follow @SXSWPartyList, too, on Twitter.
Monday, March 8, 2010
SXSW Tips: Bring Creative Business Cards and Swag
Although we’re living in a digital age, many SXSW attendees find it much easier to hand out business cards at crowded and often loud events. Do you have a creative business card that will stand out from the pack? Or maybe some great swag: 1” pings, toys, stickers, or something else? People love free stuff, and that’s how they’ll remember you after SXSW is over.
Don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase for all the extra swag you may be bringing home with you from other attendees.
Also, when you go to get your badge at the Convention Center, you’ll also big up the “big bag” of conference materials (this is heavy, and filled with swag). I always go straight back to the hotel, and empty it out, looking for the good stuff. Sometimes it will include really useful geek stuff, like coupons for free wireless or tech gear. Don’t ignore the swag you get in the Big Bag!
Posted by
kathryn on 03/08 at 06:34 PM
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SXSW Tips: Always Be Charging. Always.
So you’ve got your smartphone, your computer, your digital camera, what to do?
First off, when you’re at the convention center, don’t be an outlet hog. If your Apple computer’s power brick covers up free outlets, please bring an extension cord. It’s that weird snake like thing that snaps into your power brick. It’ll also make your life easier at the hotel, right?
Bring a power strip, if you’re got one, and you’ll be the most popular kid on the block during Interactive.
I find it also helps just to bring my cell phone charger with me at all times. It’s small, it’s light, and sometimes a nice bar or restaurant will have an open outlet. Just saying. (I’ve also made a lot of friends at the airport this way.)
Always Be Charging. Always Be Charging. The Convention Center never seems to have enough handy outlets (and your hotel room might not either). Note that wireless connectivity in the Convention Center can be spotty due to the huge number of people connected at once. Some folks like to bring an ethernet cord, just in case, so they can plug into the wall at the ACC.
Each night, before you go to bed, do remember to charge your all of your essential gadgets, like your phone. There’s nothing worse than having a dead or dying phone at SXSW. So charge your phone at night, every night, before your collapse into bed. And if you have a smartphone, take note of various power-saving settings.
Got an extra battery for your digital camera, smartphone, or laptop?
Don’t forget your batteries at home! And put it in a plastic bag if you’re going to put it in your checked luggage. The Department of Transportation (DOT) will no longer allows loose lithium batteries in checked baggage.
The really heavy users of smartphones often bring a spare battery. Now’s the time to hop over to Best Buy if you need one!
Some of the official sponsors are also offering recharging services and/or extra outlets at lounges in the Austin Convention Center. Check out the Chevy Volt Recharge Lounge, open daily at the 1st Floor, northwest corner near 4th/Trinity.
Posted by
kathryn on 03/08 at 03:26 PM
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SXSWi is Taking Over Radisson, Courtyard Marriott, and Downtown Hilton
SXSW Interactive programming will now appear in four locations:
Austin Convention Center (500 E. Cesar Chavez St., with a back entrance on 4th and Trinity, as well)
Radisson Hotel & Suites (111 Cesar Chavez at Congress Ave., two blocks from the convention center on the south side)
Courtyard Marriott Downtown Austin (300 East 4th St., catacorner from the ACC on the northside)
Hilton Austin (500 East 4th St., directly across the street from the ACC on the northside)
Not sure where to go? Each building is represented by a different letter in the acronym ARCH:
A = Austin Convention Center (ACC)
R = Radisson
C = Courtyard Marriott (Courtyard)
H = Hilton
Posted by
kathryn on 03/08 at 01:15 PM
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SXSW Tips: Your Laptop
It seems like a no-brainer to bring your computer with you to SXSW. I don’t recommend you lug it around if you don’t have to, especially while you’re out and about having fun at night. This is my sixth time attending SXSWi and I’ve learned you have a much better time if you aren’t tethered to your computer. (I often ask colleagues to text message me if it’s truly an emergency.)
Many people who attend SXSW Interactive prefer leaving their laptops in their hotel rooms, preferring to focus on non-computer activities during the day. After all, you came all this way, didn’t you? Close the laptop, and you might end up learning more and having more fun! But if you absolutely must do some work, there is also abundant and free wireless throughout Austin, like the hotspot in the Downtown Hilton’s lobby.
At the Austin Convention Center during SXSW there will be one WiFi Network, called SXSW2010.
This is the only official wifi network for internet access at the Austin Convention Center, Hilton, Courtyard and Radisson. But personally, if you have time, I’d hike it out to Halcyon, Jo’s, Progress, or The Hideout instead. Way better atmosphere!
Other things to consider bringing: a USB thumb drive, blank CD-Rs or DVD-Rs, the display cable you need for your Apple laptop to plug into a VGA port, and screen wipes. Bring any other tech bibs and bobs you can’t live without.
Additionally, it might help to clear off some hard drive space and backup your files before you arrive in case you plan on downloading photos to your computer, etc.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Download your SXSW Music Highlights
While you could sit on the SXSW Music website and listen to all the bands there (or be pushed towards their MySpace pages), that’s a lot of music to listen to. With SXSW rapidly approaching you might not have the time to get through all the bands. But never fear, the web is here.
Simon D, on his Outroversion website, has went through the bands and culled out 85 tracks that he believes are the highlights of SXSW. Not only that, but he’s wrapped them all up in one archive file for you to download onto your MP3 player of choice:
Two things you should remember if you have the very gall to complain- 1. This took me ages 2. It’s just my opinion 3. If you don’t like it do it yourself… Ok 3 things! If you like the musical stylings that I’ve offered over the past 1 year and 18 days then chances are you’ll like my selections. I’ve left off a few of the better known artists like Eisley, Boxer Rebellion, She Keeps Bees, etc.
More information on Simon’s selection here, or you can head straight for the archive file on Multiupload.
Posted by
Ewan Spence on 03/06 at 06:51 PM
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