I live in New Zealand, but many years ago I was a serious fan of Jerry Jeff Walker. So Austin looked like an interesting topic to take a look at. Is Jerry Jeff still around? Gregor Christchurch, New Zealand

We'll be opening a Jerry Jeff Walker topic in our music conference. He made his home in Austin in '71, after leaving New York. He's 53 and his just released his 27th album called Scamp on Tried and True Music.

greetings from brisbane australia, terry, and all in austin. i'm a cyberpoet and recently met(digitally) a poet called gale sprinkle who also lives in austin, it is a small internet after all. oh and so no one gets confused komninos is my first name, konstantinos is my second name and zervos is my surname.

Gale Sprinkle. That name sounds familiar. How about starting a poetry topic in the books conference.

Greetings and Happy Holidays from Gena in New England...yeah Terry the old ECHO Gena...aka TEXAS. Found you on the WEB...what a nice surprise! Now I can come to Austin while I'm at work.

That's great, so glad you're back. Feel free to stir things up.

greetings from up north! I'm now living in the Chicago area, but lived in Austin for about ten years... and got hooked on cyberspace with the local online communities. Austin is a very special place to me, and I dream about returning -- especially in the winter months!!

Would you like for Doug to send you a copy of Capitol City A&E magazine so you can get caught up on the arts and music scene. Email him at mailto://larue@io.com He said he'd be happy to do this.

I remember Austin as a place with nice people and very beautiful girls, greeting form Monterrey.

Right on both counts, Jose!

Austin is a great town, I think Austin is way better than any other town in Texas. I am an Aggie who moved to Austin 3 weeks after I graduated. Austin is an Oasis. Come by and visit the new conference called Capcity

Hello. My husband and I currently live in San Francisco, but are seriously considering a move to Austin. We've heard great things about it. San Francisco is nice, but it's way too expensive (our rent is unbelievably high and buying a home is OUT OF THE QUESTION), way too crowded, and, believe it or not, too cold for us. I'm originally from Bakersfield, he's from Tucson, and I lived in Phoenix for 2 years, so this foggy, chilly summer weather is not cutting it. We're looking for a laid-back, friendly, warm place to live where the cost of living is not too high and the people are intellectually stimulating. Sounds like Austin fits that bill. Plus, with a baby on the way, we have to consider schooling for the future. Anyone have any input? I have tons of questions, but don't want to take up too much space this time :).

I know a great realty lady who can help you if you want her name, she's vey good and very hard working. If you want her name and phone no. email me and I'll send it to you. You're making a good move!

Hi! I recently moved to Austin from Louisville, Kentucky. The only people I know in town are my parents. Help me! I know there is a lot going on in this town, but I don't have a guide. Please make some suggestions. I already checked out the book conference and thanks for the hot tips on local bookstores.

I lived in Louisville once myself. I think that you'll find that it is hard to find something *not* to do in Austin, there is just *so* much going on. Have you picked up a Chronicle and an XL? And don't feel alone, there are 100 new folks arriving here every day on average. Welcome, hope you stop by oftern. Anything specific you need to know?

I'm quite surprised you didnt mention Capitol City Magazine Terry!! http://www.capitol-city.com

AH--you knew I would, didnt you?

Hey everyone I am a senior in highschool - from Maryland. Next year I am going to go to college in Austin. I have been accepted to both St. Ed's and Southwestern. Havn't decided which one yet. I am excited about being in Austin though - I have lots of relatives there and have visited often. I love the town. Anyways I hope to talk to you all again. I'd love any helpful info you could give me on the town. See ya!!

Welcome! I'd go for St Ed's. I know several folks who've gone there who really like it. It's in South Austin on Congress av and the campus is really nice. It's on a hill and it's a real monument for South Austin. (South Austin is sometimes referred to as the locale for the beer drinkin', pickumup drivin' blue collar bubbas as opposed to the wine drinking, BMW driving, white collar North Austin yuppmeisters). But don't be mislead by stereotypes. South Austin is a great place. I can get you email addresses of folks at St. Ed's if you need them.

I MISS AUSTIN!!! so much it breaks my heart. Attended UT 81-85, then after med school (Dallas) quit my residency to return to my beloved Austin 89-93. London is my soul, my being, but Austin is my heart. So what am I doing back in Dallas? Long story. Looking to relocate, tho, and while I can't do Austin again (I'm too old to live in the squalor that those low wages necessitate), I'm looking into Denver/Boulder: on visits ther I've been impressed with how closely they approximate that uniquely Austin ambience. Plus they lack those hellish Austin summers (hey, I lived 4 yrs in an unairconditioned dorm!)...tho there are those chilly winters to consider. Anyway, I visit as often as I can (caught the 37th street light fest last Dec! Way cool!) and dream of it all the rest of the time.

Hi, I'm Kel. I'm currently living in St. Louis and am hoping to move down there by August if all goes well. For a long time various people said I would love Austin. I was/am looking to get out of the MidWest, but I had a certain criteria of the place I wanted to move to. On everyone's advice I took a weekend trip down there, and the one day I actually spent in Austin I fell in love with the city. St. Louis is a good, clean town, but offers very lil outdoor activity. All the rivers, lakes, preserves, hills, and the incredible amount of trees made my eyes soar with delight. For the first time I felt at home somewhere. Change is good, and I understand that there is a lot going on in Austin. Austin is not a city in Detroit or Chicago terms with cement walls and pollution in every direction. Austin seems to be a community that built itself around a beautiful environment and as long as people hold on to that idea as they look towards the future then the future will be good. hold on to that idea as they look towards the future

I'm originally from St. Louis Kaellie and am glad I made the move down to Austin. My only remaining relative in St. Louis is Barney Ebsworth, who runs one of the fastest growing businesses in town and has a hand in travel and shipping. Have you ever hear of his company, Intrav? (used to be International Travel Advisors). They're out of Clayton. I have many good memories of my Bayless High days in St. Louis. There are some good things about St. Louis, and nothing compares to the bluffs along the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois just north of town. And St. Louis definitely has Austin beat in sports, art museums, zoos, and perhaps some other areas. But for sheer excitement and stimulation, it's Austin all the way.

He's right--Austin's the greatest. I went to UT, then had to go away for med school (why won't they set one up in Austin?!) but came running back as quick as I could. Now I'm in exile in Dallas, but visit whenever I can. You've probably already done so, but be sure to check out our restaurant and other topics in this conf--you'll be busy for months on our suggestions alone! And any questions about this fair city, just ask. There's an answer here somewhere!

Austin? uuummmmhhhh, you mean Austin Healey? eh eh eh eh! I'm responding to your request for POSTS to test your T1 connection. It's been so long since I was at the Spring I forgot my password. I think I used to log on as "Sharky", but the password is a mystery. So I logged on as Sharky2. If you can restore the old login and password e-mail me with the information, don't forget to delete Sharky2 as a login ID if you do. I visited with you once or twice in VP land. You were thinking of getting an Austin Healey at that time I think. Anyway, the '63 Mark II I have is running great, (OK, it smokes a little and needs an overhaul, eh eh eh). From Waikiki, Aloha. Sharky

I was kind of looking for a beater for old times sake rather than a mint condition collectors gem. This has to be my favorite car of all time. Thanks for responding and thanks for psoting. Feel free to find a topic about this and continue the discussion. Should we have a cars conference?

Well, back in '96 I dropped in to introduce myself and then forgot to come back. Here I are again, hopfully for good. I am still freezin in New England, but an Austinite at heart! Somebody pass the chili reyenos, please...

Passes the relenos. Well, we did get a cars conference after all. Gena, I still think of you as 'texas' sometimes.

That's OK...My leather jacket has TEXAS emblazoned across the back!

Hello Austinites!! My wife & I are in the process of relocating to your city for the first time. We are Canadians living in Calgary, Alberta (east of the imponent rockies). Calgary is a beautiful live city but we are excited about the change. We visited Austin a few weeks ago and loved it, the heat was kinda hard to swallow at first but we were born and lived early in our lives in the tropic so we figure it'll just be a matter of time to adapt to it. Presently, we are looking at renting an apartment in the NorthWest par of town (close to my new workplace) - Balcones, Jollyville or in that area. We are hoping to start making some contacts on this right away so perhaps someone has any suggestions or people in the apartment rental business that we can talk to. Cheers everyone and enjoy the heat!! Ito.

welcome, ITO! I'm sure Terry and the others will be by here soon...

hi ITO and welcome to texas and the spring! keep us posted on your adventures in moving. i am sure that terry knows all sorts of folks you could speak to regarding places to live. he be da man.

Start with the classifieds under rentals at http://www.austin360.com You can search them by keyword.

Welcome ITO. Actually, I have a duplex available Nov. 1, but it's on the South side, close to Ben White Blvd. You probably wouldn't want to commute across town. Summer are rough here, but spring and fall are wonderful, and the winters usually mild. Hey, if anyone else is looking for a place, contact me: gklos@austin.cc.tx.us. I'd appreciate it.

I am a born-again Texan returning to Austin after many years doing pennance in the frozen north. It's good to be back.

welcome back home, tami. and welcome to the spring!

Welcome back.

I grew up in the frozen north. I got out at the first opportunity, moved here in 1980, and stayed. To this day I can't figure out why anyone with any intelligence would want to live up there. I mean: how could it be more harsh? there is a 130-140 degree temperature variation between winter and summer. They use so much salt on the roads that most cars rot out shortly after they are paid for. They also have a state income tax. To top all else, more serial killers come from a 10 county area in southeastern W sconsin, than anywhere else in the country.

That would be Wisconsin.

welcome TIM. would the 'here' you're referring to be Austin?

some of my best friends are cereal killers. it IS interesting that they all grew up in southeastern Wisconsin. they sure don't like to have breakfast---b'lieve it. Hi Tim.

Yes, " here ", is Austin. The short list of serial killers living in SE Wisconsin while I was there: Ed Gein, Richard Speck, Lori Dann, Jeffrey Dahmer. There were others, but these were the most famous. Jeffrey loved his neighbors; he loved them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Of course, I believe in knocking off a good bowl of cereal myself every now and then, however I prefer cold pizza for breakfast. Cold pizza and beer, breakfast of champions. Hello Everyone! Good Morning!

and a belated "Hi" and "Good Morning" to you, as well

Good afternoon, and how are you today?

considering that it is now late Friday night, just tired, I guess...

Ah but surely you were better than just tired.

I'm back.

Hiya, Tami, and nope, Tim

"There's a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin ... it's a great place to live." -- Willie Nelson

I should very much like to visit Austin. I have never been anywhere near Texas. I hear it is another world, and there are some things there I just must experience...now that I have a map...!

I'll be glad to give you the grand tour and set you up with a spare bedroom if you need one. It would be great if you came to Austin town!

Thank you! It won't be immediatly, but I shall work on it and keep you posted. Happy thought, indeed (I gotta stop talking like Jane Austen and more like Texas Austin!)

OK... I've officially had it with New England! The weather sucks and I've had a sinus infection for 2 weeks from all the derned pollen (damn those oversexed bees). I want to come home, and home is the southwest. Austin, due to familiarity, and Santa Fe, due to sheer beauty are top on the list. Granted this is the 'pre-think' to actually getting the locomotion going to make a move. It's WAY expensive to move cross country. I'd need to have a home rented and waiting. I have a dog and 2 cats, not an easy hurdle for finding a rental, though my pets have always been very well behaved apartment dwellers both in NewYork and Massachusetts. I would love to rent a house (2 bedroom minimum) to avoid the 'shared wall syndrome'. Any helpful hints?

I'll rent you a cottage in Cedar Creek for $450, it's about 1200 square feet with a kitchen, two rooms, satellite feed, and a couple of acres for pets to run around. It's 12 miles from the Austin City Limits and will be available in about 30 days. http://www.spring.net/house

Click on the link that says "cottage".

Terry, You're a regular goldmine of goodies! Not to mention a sweetie. Unfortunately it's a long slow process to co-ordinate a move... especially with my work requirements. I work for Siemens. I'm a teleworker, which means there is no M & L for relocation anymore. We have to pay for our moves, including reinstallation costs of our 'work' lines (1 S-DSL and an ISDN link). Should I actually make it out that way are the appropriate telco facilities available from the CO in the area of your cottage? Don't be surprised if a year down the road I come knocking at your door ;-)

The place has ISDN already.

i'll be keeping your phone number handy.

Sure, let me know if you head down this way.

I moved to Austin about 20 years ago. I was on the way to Houston to visit my mom and sister. My white Dodge van broke an axle. There were no places open who had this part since it was about 8 oclock at night. So I walked around the neighborhood and happened on a place called the Armadillo World Headquarters. It was a vine covered outdoor beer garden with a mural bedecked music hall and what a night that turned out to be. The Talking Heads were playing with another great band, I think it might have been the B-52s. I have the gig poster framed and hanging in my living room at the Quail Creek house. The music, the people I met that night, and the wonderfulness of this town hooked me and I've been there ever since (except for one sojorn to California). It's been two decades filled with amazing adventures and experiences.

That's amazing! Serendipity! I got to this island in the Pacific because my ex was offered a position at the local University and it had an erupting volcano nearby. It has been an incredible adventure for me watching topography form and evolve which eventually make it to maps and are named.