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Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• A new AI Children's Book Maker

• Breakthrough AI Chrome Extension helping businesses

• WNBA expansion franchise to Austin.

• A deep-dive into the life of Alan Lomax.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body."

— C.S. Lewis

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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!

What annual gaming convention is held in Austin, attracting gamers and developers from all over the world?

A) SXSW Gaming

B) DreamHack Austin

C) PAX South

D) RTX Austin

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The museum dedicated to the history and culture of Texas is C) Bullock Texas State History Museum.

News

💼Business

With this new AI Children's Book Maker, you can instantly generate children's books about ANYHING you choose, and illustrate them with beautiful pictures and charming characters in minutes. (link)

This breakthrough AI-Powered Chrome Extension helps businesses explode their reach on social media and generate more business online. (link)

Fast-growing city south of Austin seeks developer for hotel, convention center. (link)

Discount airline Frontier adds four routes to Austin's airport. (link)

🏒Sports

Former Longhorns star leads effort to bring WNBA expansion franchise to Austin. (link)

Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones disappointed with ‘unacceptable’ season. (link)

🏦Finance

City of Austin makes $108M real estate purchase. (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

🏉 Austin Maroons vs Gateway
1715 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX
Monday, 25 November 2024 at 12:00 pm | (more info)

🏐 Texas Longhorns Womens Volleyball vs. Tennessee Vols Womens Volleyball
Gregory Gym, Austin, TX
Wed • Nov 27, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Soul Man Sam w/ Lindsay Beaver and Brad Stivers
Antone's Nightclub, Austin, TX
Mon • Nov 25, 2024 • 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎵 The Staves w/ Shallow Alcove
Antone's Nightclub, Austin, TX
Tue • Nov 26, 2024 • 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🔴 Exhibition - Native America: In Translation
200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX
Wednesday, 27 November 2024 at 10:00 am | (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 “Post-apocalyptic Austin reclaimed by nature” 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

1917 - University of Texas' School for Military Aeronautics opens.

In 1917, the University of Texas opened the School for Military Aeronautics, marking a significant milestone in the university's history. This school was established to provide basic technical instruction for beginning pilots before they moved on to flight training. The school was authorized to establish a radio school in March 1918, and it operated as a radio training field for the Air Service, United States Army between 1917 and 1919. The University of Texas' School for Military Aeronautics played a crucial role in training radio operators for the Air Service and Field Artillery during this period.

The School for Military Aeronautics was initially housed in B. Hall, but it later moved to a different location as enrollment expanded. This initiative was part of a broader effort by President Woodrow Wilson and the Council of National Defense to establish military schools for aviators at six college campuses around the country. The Schools of Military Aeronautics (SMAs) aimed to provide essential training for pilots and played a vital role in supporting the United States Air Force during this time.

The establishment of the School for Military Aeronautics at the University of Texas in 1917 reflects the university's commitment to supporting national defense efforts and contributing to the training of military personnel during a critical period in history. This significant development in the university's history underscores its role in preparing individuals for service in the Air Service and Field Artillery, and its contribution to the broader national defense strategy during World War I.

Famous People From Austin

Alan Lomax - Ethnomusicologist and folklorist

Alan Lomax: 1915-2002

Alan Lomax, an American ethnomusicologist and folklorist, was born on January 31, 1915, in Austin, Texas. He was the son of John Avery Lomax, a prominent collector of cowboy songs and Southwestern American folklore. Growing up in Texas, Lomax was exposed to his father's extensive collection of folk music, which sparked his lifelong passion for preserving and promoting America's true music.

Early Life and Education

Alan Lomax attended the Choate School in Connecticut and spent a year at Harvard University before enrolling at the University of Texas in Austin. In 1936, he graduated with a degree in philosophy, laying the foundation for his future career as a musicologist and folklorist.

Exploring Folk Music Traditions

Lomax's greatest legacy lies in his extensive field recordings of folk music from various traditions. He traveled across the country in his beat-up Ford station wagon, capturing the authentic sounds of American folk and blues music. His work as a musician, folklorist, archivist, writer, scholar, political activist, oral historian, and filmmaker contributed significantly to the preservation of these musical traditions.

Promoting Folk Music

Throughout his career, Lomax dedicated himself to promoting knowledge and appreciation of the world's folk music. He collaborated with his father, John Avery Lomax, and produced recordings that showcased the rich diversity of folk music in the 20th century. His efforts helped bring attention to the cultural significance of folk music and its role in shaping American identity.

Recognition and Awards

Alan Lomax received the National Medal of Arts from President Reagan in 1984, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of folk music. His work was also honored with the National Book Critics' Circle Award, highlighting the impact of his writings on the understanding of folk music traditions.

Legacy and Impact

Alan Lomax's dedication to preserving and publishing recordings of musicians in folk and blues traditions has left a lasting impact on the world of music. His extensive collection of field recordings, along with his writings and advocacy, continues to inspire and educate future generations about the rich tapestry of American folk music.

Key Achievements of Alan Lomax:

• Extensive field recordings of folk music from diverse American traditions.

• Collaboration with his father, John Avery Lomax, in producing recordings that showcased the cultural significance of folk music.

• Received the National Medal of Arts from President Reagan in 1984 for his contributions to the preservation and promotion of folk music.

• Honored with the National Book Critics' Circle Award for his writings on folk music traditions.

• Legacy as a musician, folklorist, archivist, writer, scholar, political activist, oral historian, and filmmaker.

Alan Lomax's work as an ethnomusicologist and folklorist has had a profound impact on the preservation and appreciation of American folk music. His dedication to capturing and promoting the diverse musical traditions of the United States has solidified his legacy as a pioneering figure in the field of ethnomusicology.

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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