His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor endeared him to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture.

Enough said. For more interesting reading, check out the following from Google News:

Fans can’t help falling in love with Elvis Presley
Elvis and Lisa Marie sing online
Gone for 30 years, but the King still rules
Record Crowd Recalls Elvis 30 Years Gone
It’s Elvis’ Week, We’re Just Working in It

Unfortunately, I’ll be working this Saturday, but I want all of my fellow ice cream aesthetes out there to enjoy The 1st Annual Austin Ice Cream Festival for me. Actually, it’s less than a desire and more of an order. Enjoy it!

After several stops along a dark highway, trying not to look conspicuous while simultaneously blocking my eyes from the blinding assault of trucker headlights, I may have actually seen one shooting star soar across the sky above me.

Either that, or a random reflection in the lens of my glasses!

According to Science@NASA:

“It’s going to be a great show,” says Bill Cooke of NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office at the Marshall Space Flight Center. “The Moon is new on August 12th–which means no moonlight, dark skies and plenty of meteors.” How many? Cooke estimates one or two Perseids per minute at the shower’s peak.

Maybe my timing was just plain wrong, but I was disappointed nonetheless. Oh well, perhaps I’ll have better luck in mid-December when the Geminids peak.

Here are some other interesting links for your information:

Space News MSNBC Online

StarDate Online

International Meteor Organization

Happy Stargazing!

And to celebrate, I’ve been Simpsonized.
You can do it, too.

OK, OK…so I gave myself a more athletic build. Sue me! This is the internet, and if I feel like portraying my inner studliness, who’s going to stop me? Especially if they’re going to force me to wear ten year old glasses frames and butcher poor Tahoe’s looks!

To maximize your movie-going experience, I highly recommend catching The Simpson’s Movie at The Alamo Drafthouse. Enjoy the film while dining on a Ribwich with Krusty Fries and a Buzz Cola, not to mention a pair of pink frosted donuts with sprinkles for dessert! Who has room for a Duff Beer or a Flaming Moe?

It’s Homer-ific!

“Hello Friends,

Please don’t call or come by today. No ringy-dingy’s or ding-dong’s! And, I’m sorry about not being able to respond to emails…I don’t want to wake the baby.

We’re sure you’ll understand!”

“Keep Austin Weird is the slogan adopted by the Austin Independent Business Alliance to promote small businesses in Austin, Texas. The phrase arose from an offhand remark by Red Wassenich (a librarian at Austin Community College) in a phone call to a local radio station. He and his wife, Karen Pavelka, placed the slogan on bumper stickers, distributing them free to businesses in Austin; it was later trademarked by Outhouse Designs and used to market T-shirts, hats, and mugs.

The slogan refers to the many small businesses in Austin, and that it is these businesses that give Austin its unique cultural identity. This slogan is trying to prevent a rapid increase of major corporations, which would create a large city vibe and make the city of Austin “normal”.

Austin’s message of support for local businesses has inspired similar movements in other cities, including Portland, Oregon; Tampa, Florida; Raleigh, North Carolina; Louisville, Kentucky; Indianapolis, Indiana; Santa Cruz, California; and Boulder, Colorado.”

OK, enough history. How about a great way to celebrate your weirdness? Come on down to the 5th Annual Keep Austin Weird 5K and Festival being held today at Republic Square in downtown Austin.

Check out all the details here!

You can find even more weirdness at the official Keep Austin Weird web site.

There’s all kinds of fun stuff there, including where you can pick up a copy of “Keep Austin Weird: A Guide to the Odd Side of Town”. Check out the Map of Austin Weirdness and don’t forget to take the “Am I Weird?” test.

And, finally…Keep Austin Weird!

OK, the kids have MySpace, your friends have Friendster, and your colleagues have LinkinIn. But who’s looking out for our little furry pals? Catster and Dogster! That’s who!

I ran across those fun little sites over the weekend and thought they were worth sharing.

So many of us live only to chat online, or to connect with friends or make business connections on social networking sites. And who can resist posting those weekend road trip pics on line?

Everyone’s blogging. There are a bazillion personal websites out there. And who doesn’t have a web store hauking some doodad or thingamajig?

Well, now even your four-legged friends can get in the action!

Even mine.

“Excerpts from a Dog’s Twitter”

8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30am – Got rubbed & petted! My favorite thing!
12:00pm – Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm – Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm – TV with people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

“Excerpts from a Cat’s Twitter”

Day 983 of my captivity: My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Day 984 of my captivity: I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am. There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Day 985 of my captivity: I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow – but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.

For now…