AUSTIN | Misc. Discussions - No Politics

[clayton_rogue]

Originally Posted by davidtexan

Anyone here willing to share their recommendation for best downtown high-rise apartments? I’ve been living downtown in Elle West Ave for the past 3 years and I’m ready for something a bit more modern.

Seems like all of the downtown apartments have their share of horror stories on Google reviews, so it would be great to hear directly from some of y’all. Thanks in advance!

I've lived at 6G for nearly a year now and would highly recommend. The management team is top-notch and very responsive. Amenities are also quite nice.

[Urbannizer]

I agree with 6G, hot tub, cold plunge bath, etc. I’d look into The Waller as well—amazing views and it felt very high end.

I’d avoid 360 (rentals available), Skyhouse, 91 Rainey, Quincy and The Thompson Residences.

[gillynova]

Originally Posted by davidtexan

Anyone here willing to share their recommendation for best downtown high-rise apartments? I’ve been living downtown in Elle West Ave for the past 3 years and I’m ready for something a bit more modern.

Seems like all of the downtown apartments have their share of horror stories on Google reviews, so it would be great to hear directly from some of y’all. Thanks in advance!

I used to live at Sienna at the Thompson. I got a REALLY good deal before during pandemic times. It's alright tbh. If I had to pick, maybe live on East, Avenir or 6G if I had the money

[lonewolf]

they rolled back google maps 3d?

[jake.robs]

Originally Posted by lonewolf

they rolled back google maps 3d?

Yes, it happened a few weeks ago. At the time, I did some digging on why it was rolled back, and couldn't find any specifics. Most likely it was a licensing issue. It's kind of a bummer if you ask me.

[Tyrone Shoes]

Enchanted Rock Natural Area to increase property with $43M purchase

Author: Morgan McGrath
Published: 1:00 PM CST January 13, 2025
Updated: 1:00 PM CST January 13, 2025

FREDERICKSBURG, Texas — A Central Texas state park is growing once again.

On Monday, the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) announced a $43 million purchase of over 3,000 acres of land near the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. The decision was approved at a TPWD meeting in November 2024.

The new property will likely include more recreation opportunities and a potential new spot to view the area's 640-acre exfoliation dome.

"The expansion of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area will allow tourists from across the state and all around the world to enjoy even more of the majesty of Texas," Gov. Greg Abbott said. "Together, we will continue to ensure that what makes Texas unique and beautiful is preserved for generations."
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recently purchased an additional 3,073 acres of land near the state park.

TPWD said the latest addition will double the park's land mass, adding to a previous purchase approved in August 2024. During this time, the department agreed to add 630 acres to Gillespie County to create a "more expansive" recreational experience.

The department worked alongside the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation to determine whether the 3,073-acre plot of land could become part of the natural area.

With its latest addition, the park would grow from roughly 1,644 acres to just over 5,300 acres. The area currently offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, and camping.

With this new planned growth, the TPWD plans to eventually ask for public input. However, it's uncertain exactly when the new area will welcome visitors, as the plan could take several months to finish.

https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/...269-a6b1d3a1-e933-4d83-b283-aa4acb746d85

[DaHaTra]

Originally Posted by jake.robs

Yes, it happened a few weeks ago. At the time, I did some digging on why it was rolled back, and couldn't find any specifics. Most likely it was a licensing issue. It's kind of a bummer if you ask me.

If you go to Google Earth, you can use 'Historic Imagery' to see the images that were replaced. The previous images were from March 2nd 2024, where the ones that currently display on Google Maps are from November 2023. I don't know if this works on all browsers, but it at least works in firefox and edge. At least, this is when looking at East Austin (east of 35), and other parts of Austin may have different dates or may have the previous images removed entirely.

I had originally hoped that this was a sign there would be a newer update, but the point about licensing is more probable.

[Tyrone Shoes]

OK this might be fun:
'SNL' show creator Lorne Michaels donates archive to University of Texas
The Associated Press
JIM VERTUNO
Wed 15 January 2025 at 8:43 pm GMT

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Lorne Michaels, the creator of the long-running sketch comedy television show “Saturday Night Live” has donated his career archive to the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas, the center announced Wednesday.

The collection includes behind-the-scenes rehearsal notes, scripts and photographs of iconic characters and sketches from a show that launched the careers of comedians Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and others. It also includes some of 80-year-old Michaels' personal correspondence.

SNL, the most Emmy Award-nominated show in television history, is in its 50th season. It is set to broadcast “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” live on Feb. 16.

Although way off Broadway and far from the show's New York City roots, the Ransom Center is one of the top literary and humanities archives and research institutions in the country.

Its literary archive includes the collections of Nobel Prize winner J.M. Coetzee, Pulitzer Prize winners David Mamet and Norman Mailer, actor Robert DeNiro, the television drama “Mad Men” and the “Gone With the Wind” collection of Hollywood producer David O. Selznick.

The Michaels collection documents his career in television from his earliest writing for “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” and “The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show,” but the bulk of it is related to SNL. The Ransom Center plans an exhibit, “Live from New York! The Making of Lorne Michaels” to open in September with sketch drafts, correspondence, video, photos and artifacts that detail show production and highlight SNL's role as a comedic window into, and influence on, culture and politics.

[The ATX]

Public Service Announcement:

I just tried accessing the forum both logged in and as a guest with the latest version of the Opera browser. There are no ads and the forum does not send reminders to turn off the ad blocker! The ads have gotten out of control.

[SproutingTowers]

Recently STARLUX Airlines added Austin to one of the US destination cities in their codeshare partnership with Alaska Airlines. This means can make a reservation to fly to Asia from Austin on their website or app.

https://www.starlux-airlines.com

Tried to post this under ABIA Updates but seemed locked.

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by SproutingTowers

Recently STARLUX Airlines added Austin to one of the US destination cities in their codeshare partnership with Alaska Airlines. This means can make a reservation to fly to Asia from Austin on their website or app.

https://www.starlux-airlines.com

Tried to post this under ABIA Updates but seemed locked.

I opened the ABIA thread back up. I don't know why it was closed, but it was probably a mistake.

[the Genral]

I attended my son's wedding in Kyle today and took 130 there and I35 back. Passed dt around 9:30pm,
I am having some health issues so other than the pics you all have generously share here, I haven't seen dt in person until tonight. As I approached dt from the south, my mind was blown. Forgive me for stating what most of you already know, but it's been at least 2 years since I've been dt, and what I saw was incredible. Once I start feeling better I can't wait to come back down when it's light outside, but the night view is... majestic.

[Riverranchdrone]

Originally Posted by the Genral

I attended my son's wedding in Kyle today and took 130 there and I35 back. Passed dt around 9:30pm,
I am having some health issues so other than the pics you all have generously share here, I haven't seen dt in person until tonight. As I approached dt from the south, my mind was blown. Forgive me for stating what most of you already know, but it's been at least 2 years since I've been dt, and what I saw was incredible. Once I start feeling better I can't wait to come back down when it's light outside, but the night view is... majestic.

Please get well soon

[AusTex]

Originally Posted by the Genral

I attended my son's wedding in Kyle today and took 130 there and I35 back. Passed dt around 9:30pm,
I am having some health issues so other than the pics you all have generously share here, I haven't seen dt in person until tonight. As I approached dt from the south, my mind was blown. Forgive me for stating what most of you already know, but it's been at least 2 years since I've been dt, and what I saw was incredible. Once I start feeling better I can't wait to come back down when it's light outside, but the night view is... majestic.

Yes, Sending Good Vibes for Good Health! I have missed your regular posting lately.

I have not seen the DT from the south on IH35 in a long time either. I too Thank All those who keep posting. Great Job.

[gillynova]

The DT skyline from South is seriously amazing and I live down here. It's seriously majestic and I cant wait for Waterline to be done!

I hope you stay healthy general and live a long healthy life

[the Genral]

Thanks guys for the well wishes. This forum has helped me through the bad days by giving me a little something to look forward to when I can't get out of bed. If I don't post as much it's because my vision gets too blurry sometimes.

[Armybrat]

Sorry to hear about your health issues General, hope you can get them comfortably resolved ASAP.

Congratulations on the addition to your family - we had a subtraction from ours the same day.
Our granddaughter’s divorce was final on the 1st almost exactly 13 months after she married.
And that was no April Fool’s joke.

[KevinFromTexas]

Google Earth has updated for imagery in Circuit of the Americas, Kyle and Lakeway. There may be more, but those are showing up now.

[KevinFromTexas]

Originally Posted by the Genral

I attended my son's wedding in Kyle today and took 130 there and I35 back. Passed dt around 9:30pm,
I am having some health issues so other than the pics you all have generously share here, I haven't seen dt in person until tonight. As I approached dt from the south, my mind was blown. Forgive me for stating what most of you already know, but it's been at least 2 years since I've been dt, and what I saw was incredible. Once I start feeling better I can't wait to come back down when it's light outside, but the night view is... majestic.

Hey, friend, I'll send you some good vibes. Maybe you and I and JDawgboy could meet up again for another drive.

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

Google Earth has updated for imagery in Circuit of the Americas, Kyle and Lakeway. There may be more, but those are showing up now.

Ha. I can tell that the update was from the first week in December based on a visiting family member's car parked in my driveway.