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Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Data center relocating to Georgetown.

• Michigan, Ohio State fined $100k.

• A deep-dive into the life of Tobe Hooper.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Success is not how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started."

— Steve Prefontaine

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Austin landmark serves as the residence of the Governor of Texas?

A) Texas Capitol Building

B) Governor's Mansion

C) The Driskill Hotel

D) The Austonian

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic theatre in Austin that hosts premieres and unique events is B) The Paramount Theatre.

News

💼Business

H-E-B plans to open a new store Southeast Austin. (link)

Data center tech provider approved for incentives to move HQ from Round Rock to Georgetown. (link)

🏒Sports

Michigan, Ohio State fined $100k each after brawl on field. (link)

Chicago Bears fire Matt Eberflus midseason. (link)

🏦Finance

Public-private partnerships seen as key to affordable housing development in the metro. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 Texas Longhorns Womens Basketball vs. Southern Jaguars Womens Basketball
Moody Center ATX, Austin, TX
Wed • Dec 11, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Soul Man Sam w/ Lindsay Beaver and Brad Stivers
Antone's Nightclub, Austin, TX
Mon • Dec 09, 2024 • 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎵 Ben Folds: PAPER AIRPLANE REQUEST TOUR
Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater, Austin, TX
Wed • Dec 11, 2024 • 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🔴 Matt Rogers: The Prince of Christmas Tour
Emo's Austin, Austin, TX
Tue • Dec 10 • 6:30 PM | (more info)

🎪 Peter Pan (Touring)
Bass Concert Hall, Austin, TX
Wed • Dec 11, 2024 • 7:30 PM | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Austin illuminated entirely by bioluminescent plants and structures” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Austin Historical Events

1926 - Council–manager form of government effected.

In 1926, the city of Austin, Texas, implemented the council-manager form of government, a system that has remained in place to this day. This form of government is characterized by a city council that sets policies and a professional city manager who oversees the day-to-day operations of the city. The council-manager system was designed to promote collaborative local governance and ensure efficient administration of city affairs. Over the years, there have been discussions and proposals to replace the council-manager form of government with a strong mayor system, but Austin voters have consistently affirmed their commitment to the council-manager model.

The council-manager form of government in Austin has been a subject of debate and proposals for change, with some advocating for a shift to a strong mayor system. However, Austin voters have resoundingly rejected such proposals, reaffirming their preference for the council-manager form of government. This system has been credited with promoting effective collaboration and professional management of city affairs, ensuring that the city operates smoothly and efficiently. Despite ongoing discussions, the council-manager form of government continues to be a cornerstone of local governance in Austin, reflecting the city's commitment to collaborative and professional administration.

The council-manager form of government implemented in 1926 has stood the test of time in Austin, Texas, and remains a key aspect of the city's governance. This system has been recognized for its ability to foster collaboration, professional management, and efficient administration of city affairs. Austin voters have consistently expressed their support for the council-manager model, rejecting proposals to replace it with a strong mayor system. As a result, the council-manager form of government continues to play a vital role in shaping the local governance of Austin, reflecting the city's commitment to effective and collaborative leadership.

Famous People From Austin

Tobe Hooper - Film director, known for "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre"

Tobe Hooper: 1943-2017

Tobe Hooper, an American filmmaker, was best known for his influential work in the horror genre, particularly for directing "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre." His career spanned several decades and left a lasting impact on the film industry.

Early Life and Introduction to Filmmaking (1943-1960s)

Tobe Hooper was born on January 25, 1943, in Austin, Texas, to Lois Belle and Norman William Ray Hooper. His early interest in filmmaking was sparked when he used his father's 8mm camera at the age of nine. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future career in the film industry.

Exploring Filmmaking and Early Projects (1970s)

In the 1970s, Tobe Hooper co-wrote and directed "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" (1974), a groundbreaking horror film that would become his most iconic work. The film's exploration of hicksploitation themes was influenced by Hooper's childhood experiences, and it quickly gained cult status for its raw and intense portrayal of horror.

Impact on the Horror Genre (1970s-1980s)

Following the success of "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," Hooper continued to make significant contributions to the horror genre. He directed films such as "Eaten Alive" (1976) and "Salem's Lot" (1979), solidifying his reputation as a master of horror storytelling and visual style.

Transition to Television and Mainstream Success (1980s-1990s)

In the 1980s, Hooper expanded his creative endeavors to television, directing episodes of popular series such as "The Equalizer" and "Amazing Stories." He achieved mainstream success with the release of "Poltergeist" (1982), a supernatural horror film that became a commercial hit and further established his directorial prowess.

Later Career and Legacy (2000s-2017)

In the later years of his career, Tobe Hooper continued to work on various film projects, including sequels to "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" and independent horror films. His influence on the horror genre remained significant, and his legacy as a visionary filmmaker continued to inspire new generations of filmmakers.

Connection to Austin

Tobe Hooper's connection to Austin, Texas, where he was born, played a significant role in shaping his artistic vision and storytelling. The themes and settings of his films often reflected elements of his upbringing and experiences in the region, contributing to the unique and authentic nature of his work.

Key Achievements of Tobe Hooper:

• Directed the groundbreaking horror film "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," which became a cult classic and influenced the genre for decades.

• Expanded his creative endeavors to television, directing episodes of popular series and achieving mainstream success with "Poltergeist."

• Left a lasting legacy as a visionary filmmaker in the horror genre, inspiring new generations of filmmakers with his unique storytelling and visual style.

• Tobe Hooper's impact on the film industry, particularly in the horror genre, remains enduring, and his contributions continue to be celebrated by fans and filmmakers alike.

Tobe Hooper's career as a filmmaker was marked by his innovative approach to horror storytelling and his ability to create immersive and unforgettable cinematic experiences. His work continues to be a source of inspiration and influence in the film industry.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

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