Austin Is Building
I'm visiting the capital of Texas for the first time. There's construction on the waterfront. Uber gossip says the new building will be tallest in the state.
We're staying near the Mothership. Joe Rogan has leveraged his platform and resources to designate comedy's new epicenter. Notably, the place is not about him at all...
So many performers, new and old, hone their craft in this magical space. Too many trans jokes in last night's Bottom of the Barrel may have offended the 3 ladies behind us, lol. But comedians are just doing their best to celebrate our shared humanity.
There are strict rules of engagement. You are almost strip-searched by security on entry. The stairway guide man and the voice of god both tell you hecklers get thrown out. And yes, you have to turn your phone off and put it in the bag.
When I visited the Reina Sofía in Madrid, I saw Guernica. But Picasso's journal stands out most in my memory. To paraphrase: "I've learnt there is no good art and no bad art. There is only art which pleases me, or does not please me."
Walking around downtown, the construction feels both inconvenient and refreshing. The sound insulation in the windows of our hotel leaves much to be desired—it does not please me. But presumably there's a market, and a collective will to build.
The jackhammers ruining my walk cannot stifle my happiness at the long term being better than today. You can see the path on the waterfront taking shape, foliage below gleaming glass towers.
In the cool but cozy morning air, this modern sight from the old Bat Bridge strangely reminds me of Singapore. I'm pleased to think the future of our culture might be bright...
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