When Cirque Du Soleil came to the Cedar Park Center I had to catch the show and I’m eagerly awaiting their return with Quidam this year, which will run February 29 – March 4. Since my youthful dreams of running away to join the circus have since been cruelly dashed, over the past weekend I took the slightly more adult excursion.

Austin’s Sky Candy offers aerial classes that allow you to test your skills on everything from trapeze to lyra to silks, hammock and rope (or corde lisse, as they say). Their drop-in introductory aerial class is the best way to get started with an experienced instructor and runs $20. Beginners can also choose to try a six-week series that specializes on the apparatus of their choice. Since the summer of 2010, the Sky Candy collective has been run by a group of performers who can usually be found also teaching classes. Their new studio space is located at the east end of 6th Street, where they share a building with the (delicious) Hops & Grains Brewery and Tasting Room.

So what was it like?

There were three other women in my class. It takes an incredible amount of upper body and core strength to do anything, namely to even get up on any of the equipment. My muscles were trembly by the end and I am definitely sore now. I was most thrilled with the trapeze but quite disappointed in the silks. Climbing them was nearly impossible. Not to mention, it looks soft and luxurious but when you’re twisting or hanging in the hammock version from your hips, it’s highly uncomfortable.

Did you know that both the trapeze bar and lyra are made of steel? Yep. There is certainly an art to making those movements look so effortless and beautiful. I think I have a bruise or two to prove it. Still it was worth it to have the chance to take to the sky. Maybe the greatest of ease part will come with more practice.

Here’s a trapeze routine by one of the resident performers.

Using Wi-Fi and GPS technology, Ford’s intelligent vehicle prototypes detect and warn drivers of potential dangers that could happen out of their line of sight, such as someone in their blindspot, a car running a red light, debris on the road, even a car ahead braking sharply. We Chicksters were invited to experience that technology in action through crash simulations that Ford demonstrated on Tuesday afternoon.

We headed out to the expansive parking lot at the Austin Film Society, previously the old Mueller airport, where we were passengers in a series of controlled set-ups that each ended with a near collision. Piling into a retrofitted Ford Explorer prototype with the technology installed in the rear, we didn’t realize just how realistic these simulations were going to be. The experience quickly took on a thrill ride aspect as our driver would, just before each scenario, radio a countdown over his walkie-talkie to the other two cars, “3…2…1” before taking off with a burst of speed that felt a little like a miniature drag race and got the adrenaline pumping.

In fact, one scenario felt so real, that as we gunned it straight for a simulated stalled car right in front of us I could not help but reflexively throw my hands up to brace myself for the worst. Thankfully, I’m here to attest both the technology and brakes worked, amid mingled gasps of relief. (The video below doesn’t do the unnerving reality of the experience justice and I usually enjoy high speed anything).

In this prototype, the car alerts the driver of possible danger with a series of beeps and a red light that flashes in the dashboard. Making the seat vibrate is another possible feature, however, considering my spastic reaction whenever my phone happens to vibrate unexpectedly, I’m pretty sure at least for me, that would be overkill.

Another innovation Ford introduced us to was a seat belt with an inflatable strap, that much like an airbag, inflates upon impact and both cushions and helps equally distribute the kinetic force across a person’s chest, which could be particularly helpful in helping children and the elderly avoid serious injuries in collisions.

Driving across Texas, I’ve seen many painfully colorful roadside shrines commemorating the fate of those who lost their lives in potentially avoidable accidents. Not only could intelligent vehicles stem these tragic fatalities, the practical side also involves saving thousands of dollars on car repair from avoided fender benders. Surprisingly, the technology itself is only a couple hundred dollars, but in order to “see” the other cars, they must also be outfitted with the system. So the catch is that it’s an all or nothing situation, and the technology could never be fully effective without blanket participation. Knowing exactly where a given car is at any time also gives rise to some privacy concerns. Still, it’s a vast leap forward in safety.

I’m hoping Ford might be working on secret flying car prototypes (my personal favorite answer to traffic jams) that we might also get to experience in the near future.

The owners of the popular Sushi A-Go-Go food trailer, Kayo and Také Asazu, have just opened their first brick-and-mortar location, Komé Sushi Kitchen. Located on Airport Boulevard near another hidden gem of an eatery, House Pizzeria, Komé is a casual, home-style dining experience that is both affordable and delicious.

Serving what the Asazus deem “family-style Japanese comfort food”, the lunch menu includes Teishoku-style options as well as sushi and sashimi specials. While the exterior is rather unassuming, the interior is decorated in a fresh, minimalistic style that fits nicely with the overall atmosphere. The Komé logo features grains of rice diving into a bowl, and once you get a look at their rice and noodle bowls, you will want to do the same.

Patrons are enthusiastically greeted by the chefs working at the bar with a ‘Konnichiwa!’ every time someone steps in the front door. To top off the friendly staff, we were served by what appeared to be Ryan Gosling’s younger brother. Our meal was paired with piping hot green tea and followed by a decadent, sake-flavored cheesecake dessert.

It’s official – I can’t wait to go back. Who’s up for sushi this week?

A determined Brian refuses to give up despite struggling to pay rent and find a new job in the video editing business. His lack of cash flow leads the rag-tag crew to make the most of Circuit City’s 30-day return policy, as well as organizing sillier but no less entertaining stunts, like holding a casting call for Drew Barrymore look-alikes so Brian can have a practice date. Other highlights include a casual chat with Corey Feldman, who Drew dated while in her pre-teens.

Brian’s family is pretty dubious as you can see in the clip below, but all cynicism aside, this film has a simple charm and infectious enthusiasm that has you rooting for Brian right up to the end.

Tuesday, September 6 - The Alamo Ritz, teaming with Austin AIGA, will be playing the inspirational documentary Lemonade. The film follows a smorgasbord of creative types and the various liberating things they pursue after getting the dreaded pink slip. What would you do to make ends meet if you got laid off?

Wednesday, September 7 - Sultry smooth operator, Sade, will be taking the stage at the Frank Erwin Center with special guest John Legend. Here’s one of my all-time favorites of hers below.

Thursday, September 8 - Austin Museum of Art is screening the 2009 documentary, Objectified, at their downtown location, with a Q & A with Dr. Jeffrey Meikle, UT professor of Art History and American Studies. The film screening delves in the art of design and is free with museum admission ($5 for adults).

Plus, in celebration of Tribeza’s Style Week is the Fashion’s Night Out party at By George. Check out Tribeza’s September issue for more style tips.

Friday, September 9 – Bring your coconuts! It’s time for the Monty Python and the Holy Grail Quote-Along at the Alamo Ritz.

Saturday, September 10 – The Austin Flea hits the Highball from 11 am – 5 pm on Saturday. Treasure hunt through local handmade items and vintage wares to find one-of-a-kind objects while sipping a delicious cocktail like the tangy, Old Thyme Lemonade.

Sunday, September 11 - Head downtown on Sunday evening to San Jacinto between 5th and 6th Streets to catch a free screening of the classic film, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Donations and proceeds from the food and beverage sales, provided by parkside restaurant, benefit the 6ith Street Austin Association. Gates open at 7:30 pm and the movie starts at 9 pm. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on – and be ready to burst into a rendition of Twist and Shout!

Monday, August 8 - Tonight the Decemberists, a popular indie-folk rock band from Portland, will be playing an outside show at Stubbs. Their sixth album, The King is Dead, was released back in January.

Tuesday, August 9 - Ladies on the prowl shouldn’t miss the Bachelor August Issue release party for Austin Monthly, being held from 7 – 10 pm at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Email RSVP@austinmonthly.com to snag a spot and a chance to chat up ten of the most eligible bachelors in our fair city.

Wednesday, August 10 - Digitialism will be headlining at La Zona Rosa with tickets going for $25. This German electronica duo formed in 2004 in Hamburg and you might recognize a few of their catchy tunes from the Alamo Drafthouse’s montages.

Speaking of which, the Alamo will be presenting the time honored classic girlie film, She’s All That, today and next Wednesday. Bring your hacky sack and falafel hat!

Thursday, August 11 - Haven’t stopped by the Blanton Art Museum lately? Take the whole family for free on Thursdays from 10 am to 9 pm and see their current exhibit, About Face: Portraiture as Subject.

Friday, August 12 - The Action Pack’s free music video dance party is the ultimate way to spend your Friday night! It’s not just safe to dance in your eighties finest starting at 11 pm at the Highball, it’s required. 

Saturday, August 13 - If you can brave the heat without melting, the scoop is the Austin Ice Cream Festival is returning to Waterloo Park from 10 am to 7 pm. Lick the heat with lots and lots of delicious ice cream. Admission is $5.

Monday, July 25 - Tonight the Alamo Drafthouse will be airing their brand new series for Music Mondays, Austin City Limits Reel Rarities. This week it will feature Willie Nelson, who was the subject of the now legendary show’s pilot episode. Willie joined his first band at age ten and is still playing today, at seventy-eight years young.

Tuesday, July 26 - If you are free during the day, check out WriteByNight. At 11 am, they will be hosting “Write Here,” a writing center open house for Austin writers. Explore their East 6th Street space to write, read, meet other writers, or just kick back and dream.

Wednesday, July 27 – Are the fruits and veggies in your fridge looking a little like you feel this summer – wilted from the heat? Come out to the Boggy Creek Farmer’s Market in Central East Austin to freshen up your produce from 9 am – 1 pm. Can’t make it Wednesday? They are also open at the same time Saturdays. In the evening, head over to the Blue Starlite Drive In on Cesar Chavez for a screening of the classic coming-of-age film, Sixteen Candles.

Thursday, July 28 – Time for a ladies night! Get the chicksters together and make for Beauty Bar on East 7th Street to enjoy $5 Martinis, $2 Lone Stars and free manicures. Stick around and hear  Little Radar / Wild Child / Auroravore play starting at 10 pm.

Friday, July 29 – Iron and Wine will be hitting the Paramount Theatre at 7 pm tonight for the third annual benefit concert. Sam Beam never fails to entertain, much less amaze! We’re lucky to have this talented musician living close by in Dripping Springs, Texas.

Sunday, July 31 - The 20-Something Meetup group will heading to the Rowing Dock near the Austin Nature and Science Center for another session of stand up paddle boarding starting at 10 am. Hop on a board and paddle your way across Ladybird Lake!

Sometimes, dear readers, we must pepper this post with the more unfortunate choices we have made in our quest for home entertainment. We hope that through our poor decisions, we can save you from making the same mistakes, whether it’s by choosing to straighten your sock drawer or wash your hair rather than watch, say Donnie Darko 2, or even today’s made to suck movie, Listen to Your Heart.

Ok, ok, I’m aware the cheesy title alone should have tipped me off. However, I am a sucker a for a good music movie and this 2010 drama sounded moderately promising, with a slew of film festival recommendations to back it up. The premise certainly had the potential to be quite moving and inherently tragic: a singer/songwriter falls in love with a wealthy but sheltered deaf girl. It stars Alexia Rasmussen (whose acting I applaud, she did such a great job I thought she might be deaf in real life) and Kent Moran (who wrote the screenplay and all the songs).

What went wrong? Well, for starters, there was a roommate whose only purpose seemed to be comic relief through poorly segued toilet jokes. Then there was the controlling mother (played by Cybill Shepherd) who was so downright awful she wouldn’t allow her own daughter to learn sign language. That’s so cruel it nearly leaves me speechless. And finally, what did it, was the hospital deathbed scenes at the end that were laughable they were so unconvincing. Did I enjoy some of the music? Yes. But listen to me…that’s doesn’t make watching this movie worth it.

Monday, July 11 - The Dude abides! Head to the South Alamo Drafthouse for White Russians and quote along to everyone’s favorite slacker bowler in 1998′s The Big Lebowski.

Tuesday, July 12 - Austin Art Garage recently announced they have new art up on the walls. This funky little gallery is open from 11 am – 6 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and exhibits a wide array of talented local artists whose works are surprisingly affordable. July’s featured artist is Michael Drake.

Wednesday, July 13 – Barbarella’s on Red River is Austin’s hippest video dance club and every Wednesday starting at 10 pm is Brand New Retro night. Mixing tunes from Yeasayer, LCD Soundsystem, TV on the Radio, Ladytron, Lykke Li and more, you can dance to your heart’s content. You can even get an encore after dancing the night away, recreating mixes from playlists posted on their site.

Thursday, July 14 – Shake things up on the dancefloor in a whole new way with the Austin Swing Syndicate. Every Thursday night from 8 pm to midnight, the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs Mansion in West Campus is hopping. Entry is just $5 and you can enjoy a free beginner swing lesson at 8:15 pm, no partner necessary.

Friday, July 15 – With Blues on the Green and Unplugged at the Grove, it’s easy to get spoiled with all this great free summertime music. Music Under the Stars is a family friendly music series Friday nights from 6 – 9 pm at the Bob Bullock Museum. This Friday’s guest will be flamenco-influenced latin rock band Del Castillo, whose music has appeared on the soundtrack of Once Upon a Time in Mexico.

Saturday, July 16 – Tonight Austin’s non-profit amateur sports organization, the Texas Rollergirls, is hosting a flat track roller derby bout against the Denver Roller Dolls at the Austin Convention Center at 6 pm. Tickets are $15 at the door or $12 in advance (Fire Fighters, Police, EMS & Support Staff will receive $5 off this bout). Live music will be provided by Ringo Deathstarr, an Austin-based band who released their first full-length album in March.

Tuesday, July 5 - The Paramount Theatre will be screening the original, uncut version of the classic film, Godzilla, at 7 pm.

Wednesday, July 6 – Every Wednesday starting at 7 pm is Hoopie Hour at Weirdo’s. Yep, you read that right. Show off your Hoola Hoops skills or play games to win prizes. Located near Mopac and Parmer, the bar also hosts a beach volleyball league.

The Submarines are also playing at Stubbs with Eels.

Thursday, July 7 – Unplugged at the Grove will be hosting the Trishas, starting at 8 pm. This acoustic, bluegrass-leaning Americana quartet is made up of four talented singer-songwriters.

The Alamo Drafthouse Action Pack is also hosting The Justin Timberlake Sing-Along.

Friday, July 8 – East Austin band the Happen-Ins are hitting the stage at the Continental Club at 10 pm, followed by the Mother Truckers, recently voted “Best Roots Rock Band” at SXSW.

Saturday, July 9 – South Congress now has a used and collectible bookstore tucked among the food trailers and novelty shops, the appropriately named South Congress Books. The official grand opening is set for Saturday, July 9 and will include 10% off everything in the store, all day.

Tuesday, June 21 - It’s time again for Teen Angst Tuesdays at the Highball! The Institution Theatre will be reenacting the Dawson’s Creek’s episode The Longest Day at 8 pm.

Wednesday, June 22 – The Austin Film Society and the Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas Rolling Roadshow are honoring Austin director Richard Linklater with a 20th anniversary screening of SLACKER, which he will be personally introducing at Austin Studios. Experience the familiar backdrop of the UT drag in the early 90s and listen to the musings of various 20-somethings, and you might find yourself thinking the more things change the more they stay the same. General admission $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

If you can brave the heat, Blues on the Green is back again at Zilker Park this week with Bright Light Social Hour and Suzanna Choffel.

Thursday, June 23 – Find your urban cowboy as Cedar Park Rodeo kicks off today and rides out through the weekend. Tickets start at $15. If you’re feeling a little bit more rock and roll, Band of Heathens also will be jamming out at Shady Grove.

Friday, June 24 – Park your ride (cars and bikes alike are welcome) at Blue Starlite Drive-In on the East Side to take in the Clint Eastwood flick, A Fistful Of Dollars at 9 pm.

Saturday, June 25 – The 9th annual Keep Austin Weird Fest & 5K happens this weekend at the Long Center. Slip on your running shoes, costumes and wigs to come get weirded out! You can always skip the race and just enjoy a psychedelic-inspired music lineup including the likes of Austin’s own Alpha Rev. The festival takes place at 2 pm and the 5K begins at 7 pm. Fest passes are $12 in advance, $15 at the door and 5K fees depend upon your age range.

Mark Your Calendars: BookPeople will be hosting a Book Happy Hour at The HighBall the last Thursday of each month at 5:30 pm. They will be discussing Tina Fey’s hilarious memoir-esque Bossypants on June 30 over cocktails.

“Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?” – Rob Gordon, High Fidelity

The only halfway decent workout compilations I’ve stumbled onto so far were on the Women’s Health website (apparently the counterpoint to Men’s Health magazine, who knew?), with a section dedicated to playlists compiled by both professional athletes, celebs and readers alike. So far I liked their “Beach Body” mix or possibly “A Winning Workout” mix best.

I think I want something synth pop-y, so I’m considering creating an Alamo Drafthouse mix compiled from their catchy, high energy montage songs for each month (listen in to a sampling below). Don’t you want to get up and dance now?

Does anyone have suggestions on an upbeat mix that will keep me motivated, that I will actually be able to listen to more than once? I want to avoid the top 40 pop songs I hear constantly on the radio. What’s on your iPod that keeps you going?

Monday, June 13 - Every Monday, Rio Rita hosts “Love and a 45 Record Player Party” where you have the chance to be your own DJ. No more waiting for someone else to play your favorite song! Bring your 45s and sign up to spin three songs you love. Registration starts at 8 pm, music at 9 pm.

Austin’s own Wooden Birds will also be playing an in-store at Waterloo Records at 5 pm in support of their newly released album, “Two Matchsticks.” You can listen in to the whole album (along with several other new albums by artists like Bedouin Soundclash, The Middle East, Cults and more) here.

Tuesday, June 14 - The Paramount Summer Classic Film Series will be showing “Eccentric Westerns,” featuring back to back showings of “Destry Rides Again” and “Johnny Guitar” that you can make a double feature. Admission for each show is just $9 or $7 in advance online, with cowboy appropriate whisky specials all night. Screening begins at 7 pm and you can enjoy an encore presentation of both films on Wednesday.

If you’re feeling crafty and have some time off this week, consider taking Spruce’s BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair) Upholstery class this Tuesday and Wednesday, including ten hours of hands-on upholstery instruction. Or consider buying the first of the newly released DVD of their forthcoming six disc set to DIY at home.

Wednesday, June 15 – Enter to win a free sneak peek pass to “The Green Lantern” by Monday, June 13, featuring Ryan Reynolds in the limelight and you can watch an advance screening Wednesday, before the official June 17 release.

Monday, June 6 - As part of the Music Mondays series at the Ritz, the Alamo Drafthouse will be showing a special repeat screening of the rare 1986 concert film, The Cure in Orange, shot at Theatre Antique d’Orange in the French countryside. Slip back into the eighties and experience the novelty of Cure concert back before alternative rock had broken into the mainstream. The show is at 9 pm, get tickets here. Watch Adele’s take on the Cure’s classic Lovesong below.

Tuesday, June 7 - The always hilarious Matt Bearden returns to Capital City Comedy Club at 8 pm with his show Punch.

Wednesday, June 8 – KGSR is kicking off the 21st season of Blues on the Green at the Zilker Park. This free concert series takes place around the stage at the east end of Zilker. Parking is available in the dirt lot underneath the Mopac Bridge and across the street near Barton Springs. Overflow parking is available at both the Palmer Event Center and One Texas Center. The show starts at 7:30 pm with the awesome Quiet Company, followed by Bob Schneider. KGSR will be streaming live video of each performance.

Thursday, June 9 – Unplugged at Shady Grove presents alt-country band The Gourds at 8 pm. Check out the video below for their wildly popular cover of Snoop Dogg’s Gin and Juice.

Friday, June 10 – Look twice for motorcycles Friday, as bikers roar into town for The Republic of Texas Biker Rally (ROT Biker Rally). The biggest motorcycle rally in Texas and one of largest motorcycle events in the US, the four-day ROT Rally starts June 9 and runs through June 12 at the Travis County Exposition Center.

Saturday, June 11 – Texas Monthly and the Alamo Drafthouse teamed up for a special Rolling Roadshow presenting The Ten Greatest Texas Films Ever roadshow. Saturday’s show of 1974′s Texas Chainsaw Massacre will take place in Junction House in Kingsland, Texas. The original house of horrors, since transplanted some 80 miles east of the original shooting location in Williamson County, now offers up tasty Texas-style comfort cuisine.

Sunday, June 11 – The Second Sunday Sock Hop returns this month, so put on your blue suede shoes and head to the dance floor at Shangri-La.

Nectar is hosting their first ever Good Karma Bazaar on Saturday, June 4. This funky fair trade thrift boutique donates all proceeds to fund humanitarian service projects in Austin and across the globe. Find stylish summer threads, listen to live music, nosh on treats from Contigo and take in a fashion show, all for a great cause. The Good Karma Bazaar event will benefit Austin-based nonprofit, the Amala Foundation, which strives to help fund personal growth and educational programs for kids.

Date: June 4, 2011
Where: Nectar
Location: 1006 S. 8th Street, Austin, TX 78704
Time: 4-8 pm
Tickets: $8

RSVP on Facebook here.