The Curmudgeon Rants Again

Shades of 9/11 someone crashed a plane into the Internal Revenue Building here in Austin. Those kinds of things I’d prefer to read about in the news but it may explain all the sirens I heard this morning. I’ve just finished reading the Austin Chronicle. Once more I’m at a loss to take in the fact that judges get elected here. How that differs from the political patronage appointments we get on our side of the border I can’t say but it seems strange; but then they elect sheriffs and dog catchers as well.

After eating out at a few local diners I’ve discovered another cultural difference here in the south; this one culinary. Whereas we on our side of the border would take salt and vinegar with French Fries for granted it would seem that no one uses vinegar on their fries here, no one seems to have it available.

However after reading up on the Travis Audobon Societies birding trip this Saturday I have discovered that some things never change. The pre-eminent place to observe birds in Austin is the Sewage Treatment Plant. They may dress it up with a fancy name but it’s still a place where a closepin for your nose is probably advisable.