July 24, 2014Rambling RoseAustin, TX Vol 1 Issue 1

In the First Amendment we trust.

Discover the hub of Austin

@YellowRoseASNE

Michelle Miller Rambling Rose

page 7

Welcome to the world

of Petanque

Texans and their bootsTeachers come to Austin

page 2 page 6pages 4 & 5

2 Rambling RoseJuly 24, 2014News

Journalism teachers visit Austin

The University of Texas is hosting 34 journalism teachers from around the country for the next two weeks as part of the American Society of News-paper Editors Reynolds Institute.

This is the first trip to Austin for many of the participants.

Sean Berleman from Illinois chose to come two days early to see friends in the area.

“I was most excited to visit Qui, a restaurant run by a guy who won ‘Top Chef,’” Berleman said. “The plates were small and expensive, but they had an interesting taste profile.”

Berleman chose to apply for the Reynolds Institute because he felt his journalism program needed improve-ments.

Two attendees came from Hawaii. Naomi Ashman traveled for nine hours from Pukalani on the island of Maui.

After Asman found out she was ac-cepted to the Institute, she researched Austin online and requested informa-tion from the visitor’s bureau. Since English isn’t her native language, she took addi-tional steps to prepare.

“I’ve been taking English lessons online,” Ashman said. “I was excited about coming to the conference because I’m not a journalism person.”

When her plane was about to land, she noticed that it was “so flat in ev-ery direction.”

A few of the teachers attending chose to drive instead of fly to Austin. Karen Beavers came in with another adviser after they attended a work-shop in Dallas, stopping to see the

Louisa OgleStaff writer

Mustangs of Las Colinas on the way.“It looked easy to get there on the

map,” Beavers said. After two detours because of construction, they parked

and walked to the plaza. “It was worth it; they were beautiful.”

Beavers said she hopes to look at the murals in the area and take pictures. On the way home, she plans to stop at Ikea because

there isn’t one near her home in Oklahoma.

This is Beavers second time at the Reynolds Institute, previously at-tending in 2007 at Kent State.

“So many things have changed in the news world,” Beavers said. “We have the tools and just need to imple-ment them better.”

Karen Sergent, Jessica Bramer, Kayla Sartin, and Jenee Chizick work on their news articles in the lobby of the Jesse J. Jones Communication Center at the University of Texas. The cadre had a 9 p.m. deadline for their first assignment of the American Society of Newspaper Editors Reynolds Institute.

Louisa Ogle Rambling Rose

By the numbers

34 teachers

20 states represented

6 from Texas

4 from Florida

29 women

5 men

502 years of teaching experience

105.5 years of advising experience

33 guest speakers

“I was excited about coming to the

conference because I’m not a journalism

person.”– Naomi Ashman

3Rambling Rose July 24, 2014 News

Severe drought impacts residents

The drought that began in 2008 presents a serious challenge to the residents of Austin and surrounding communities, who are asked to con-serve water.

The city is implementing stage two watering restrictions, allowing resi-dents to water their lawns only once a week. Watering days are deter-mined by addresses—even addresses on Thursday and odd addresses on Wednesday.

Other restrictions are in place.“I can’t wash my car in my drive-

way, and I can water my lawn with a hose only before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m.,” homeowner Karen Williamson said.

Entertainment is also impacted by the drought. Jose Cintron, an Austin resident, believes the people most im-pacted by the drought will be boaters.

Water levels at Lakes Travis and Buchanan are low, with Lake Travis at 38 percent full and Lake Buchan-an at 40 percent full.

“Boat ramps have been removed or

Rebecca MehrensStaff writer

lead to nowhere,” Cintron said.Not only is Austin impacted by the

drought but surrounding communi-ties are as well. Andres Penaloza from Cedar Park, a community only 20 minutes from Austin, identified similar water restrictions.

“Residents can’t water their lawns during the week and can’t wash their cars in their driveways,” he said.

Austin residents can be penalized for violating water restrictions, such as watering a lawn more than once per week. Fines are assessed through the water bill.

Kym Olson, an apartment dweller in Austin, said she could care less about the water restrictions.

“I have my potted plants that I wa-ter, but I don’t have a lawn to care for myself, so they [restrictions] don’t impact me as much.”

However, both Olson and William-son said that the drought has made them more conscious of trying to re-use water. Both women attempt to water their plants with extra water they may have leftover in water bot-tles or dog water bowls.

“I don’t throw water away,” Olson

Micalela Carbarbal uses an umbrella to protect herself from the sun. The sun and lack of rain created a drought that forced Austin residents to restrict their water usage.

Rebecca Mehrens Rambling Rose

said.The drought has impacted Austin

residents’ daily lives in ways both big and small. But some residents are still skeptical of the need for water restrictions.

“I can’t really tell if it’s as big of an issue as it’s made out to be,” Jose Cin-tron said. “I would appreciate more detail on what that means and the impact of the future.”

See coverage of the Red Rock Express at Dell

Diamond Stadium at goo.gl/JbRu8d

Sean Berleman Rambling Rose

n

Heart ofTexas

Petanque Club isn’t just a game of skill. It is a game of strategy, much like chess. Players begin with the basics, learning rudimentary skills at Paggi Square from club members Jim Schwobel and Michael Hillis. Friendly games can be found with friends at the Austin French Legation on Sunday afternoons. Several members take their skill to the next level, competing in national and international competitions. More than 600,000 players participate in the sport in 88 countries.Story and Photos by Janell Marmon

Rambling RoseJuly 24, 2014features4

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Heart of Texas Petanque Club members Jim Schwobel and Hasan Patel partner for a game, shooting the ball on the gravel paths of The French Legation. The French game was created to play in singles, doubles and triples, with casual games for practice or serious competition.

Etiquette during the game calls for both team members and opponents to stay at least a few feet away from the sides of the field of play. Petanque was designed to be played almost anywhere a gravel walk or similar surface is found, allowing for perfect conditions for a game requiring precision.

In his professional life, Jacque Richard is a chef for Whole Foods in Austin. Richard learned to play the game for the first time as a child of five with his parents and brothers in his native France.

On a summer Sunday afternoon, Alain Ginenez places the first ball of a match. Ginenez learned Petanque at an early age, coming back to it in his adopted home of Austin.

5Rambling Rose July 24, 2014 Features

6 Rambling RoseJuly 24, 2014Features

Few items are as iconic in Texas as a pair of cowboy boots, but boot buy-ing can be confusing, costly, and time consuming. Boots, much like tattoos, make a statement about the wearer. And like tattoos, a pair of boots can last a lifetime.

“It is important to wear the boots rather than letting the boots wear you,” Eden Welply who prefers loud boots that make a bold statement on their own. Welply said,” I don’t worry about whether someone conservative would wear them with a

particular outfit, they are mine and I decide what I rock.”

Welply began wearing boots a year ago when she started her studies at the University of Texas. She inherit-ed her boots from her boss, the man-ager at Allen’s Boots on South Con-gress Avenue. Reportedly, her boss owns 50 pair of boots.

“If I could raid anyone’s collection of boots, it would be hers,” Welply said.

Welply said she now prefers boots over all other footwear.

“I like the way they make me feel,” Welply said. “I am confident and my walk is sexier. My boots were made for walking.”

Quincy,7 of Elgin is on his third pair of boots. He owned his first pair at age 2, and his boots are an impor-tant tool for horse riding.

“I want to make sure my foot stays in the stirrup and the heel is impor-tant for that,” Quincy said.

Boot soles are either rubber or leather. Leather, the most traditional choice, provides minimal grip, mak-ing them perfect for line dancing. Rubber soles are the preferred choice for work boots, but cowboy boots with rubber soles are widely available.

Although she’s done her fair share

of Texas Two Stepping and line danc-ing, Dalia

Torres of Austin finds her rubber soled boots the most comfortable for everyday wear. Torres began wearing boots at age 4. Her favorite feature of boots is the slip on design

“I like the ‘woomph’ my foot makes when my foot reaches the bottom,” Torres said. “I know the boot is secure and I don’t have to fuss with laces or buckles.”

Torres’s favorite pair of boots cur-rently are her python skin boots. She has her eye on a pair of $1,100 pink ostrich boots made by Lucchese, and although that is a steep price for mid-dle-class Americans, boot wearers like Sarah Walker, are quick to point out that “Boots last for a lifetime.”

“I paid $1,200 for my first car and this pair of boots,” said Amanda Smith. “I still have the boots.” Smith owns seven pair of boots. “I like that they are versatile. I can dress them up or dress them down. Current fashion even lets me wear them with dresses and shorts, not just denim.”

Not everyone believes the invest-ment is worth it. Bargain shoppers like Sarah Hall would rather have options under $100.

“I am about to spend $200 on my daughter’s boots,” Hall said. “She needs them for taking care of horses in Canada this summer, but $200 for her to walk around in horse manure all day is a bit much.”

Growing children often reach the adult section long before their feet stop growing.

Hall plans to buy boots two sizes too large for her 11-year old.

“She can wear three pair of ski socks this summer,” Hall said. “As her foot grows, she’ll just put on few-er socks.”

Austin Allen can’t remember a time when he didn’t wear boots on a daily basis.

“When I was a kid, the only time my feet weren’t in boots was when I was playing sports,” Allen said.

“I live on a ranch,” Allen said. “I have boots for working and boots for town. I have church boots, but today I’m looking for boots to wear to my grandmother’s 80th birthday.”

The most important part of the boot for Allen is the height of the shaft (the tallest part of the boot). He finds the mid-height shaft works best for his leg length and calf width. Megan Goodman who sells boots at Allen’s Boots says that shaft height differs by gender. Men tend to prefer the mid-height shaft because they are easier to put on but offer more protection than the shorter shafts. Women, on the other hand, lean to-wards the taller shafts when shop-ping for “statement boots” because a taller shaft offers more room for ar-tistic detail and stitching.

Parents pick the shortest shaft height when buying for children, ac-cording to Goodman.

Finding the perfect pair can take time. Goodman suggests trying on several pair because sometimes get-ting a bird’s eye view of it while on the foot makes all the difference.

“Just seeing it on the shelf isn’t enough,” Goodman said.

“You’ll know when you’ve found the pair made for you when you keep returning to it,” Goodman said.

One brand may be more popular than another, but everyone’s feet are different.

Although she prefers the Luccese brand, Torres doesn’t recommend any specific brand to her customers because she wants them to find some-thing comfortable.

Chances are that if the boots are uncomfortable, they won’t be worn often. “Don’t worry about a brand’s reputation,” Torres said. “Don’t settle for anything that isn’t comfortable.”

Austinites kick it in their bootsLori Vincent

Staff writer

Lori Vincent Rambling Rose

Thump, thump. Thump, thump. Thump, thump.

The footfalls create the rhythm. The footfalls pound out the tempo. The footfalls reflect the heartbeat of the city.

The footfalls emanate from the runners flowing along the crushed red granite paths beneath the trees. Trees crowded by the unkempt un-dergrowth that springs from the moist soil lining the shore. Trees that shade the travelers along the paths. Travelers that come to run, walk, cycle and enjoy the Lady Bird Lake system on a warm Sunday morning.

“Pretty much every morning I come to get my run in,” Clyde Farrell, a re-tired teacher, said. “I can get my ex-ercise without straining my knees too hard. Then I go to Barton Springs to get my cool down swim in. I spend most of my morning around the lake.”

“Training here is pretty good for biking and running because it’s hilly,” Tammy Valentini, a former marathon runner, said. “Running clubs often meet here and at running

stores. Making it a great way to see the city.”

From west to east, Lady Bird Lake system extends from Zilker Park, containing the spring-fed swimming pool of Barton Springs, to Red Bud Isle, with a dog park and access to the lake for canoeing and fishing.

The Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail provides a complete circuit around Lady Bird Lake. According to the City of Austin website, the 10.1-mile trail loop provides pedestrians, runners and bikers “an alternative transportation route for the growing urban core.”

For Earl King, a massage thera-pist, cycling is the perfect form of transportation.

“I ride to work and back every day,” King said. “I work right across the river.”

Coming from Milwaukee, King moved to the lake area so he could live a “healthy vibe,” with Austin having good weather and an active scene.

The active scene frequently drives the movement around the lake. Peo-ple-powered water vehicles populate the lake frequently as “people come to

kayak or paddle all the time,” Bridg-et Swan, a paddle boarder at Capital Cruises, said.

Swan added that paddle boarding “is a different workout since you have to have good balance to stand and paddle in the water. You can also kneel or sit to have a relaxing ride.”

Travelers often come to get a healthy exercise routine started at the lake, but find that the tame na-ture of the calm waters does not provide the rigor they want. These enthusiasts find the area around Barton Springs offers more areas for strong conditioning.

“I started out with my friends in 2005 riding our mountain bikes around the lake,” Scott Leyendecker, an “ancillary” sportsman, said. “I liked the circuit that went around the lake, but one of my friends said that ‘the really cool stuff is over there (Barton Springs).’”

“Barton Springs is where you will find the Hill of Death. (chuckle) I’m sorry … the Hill of Life,” Leyendecker said. This hill offers a “20-mile loop of pretty hard terrain of gravel roads for cyclists and serious hikers” that should only walk with hiking sticks.

Michelle MillerStaff writer

7Rambling Rose July 24, 2014 Features

Recreation revolves around Lady Bird Lake

Michelle Miller Rambling RosePeople gather on Congress Avenue Bridge to watch the bats take flight. This tradition has occurred for many years.

A printed mind living in a wired world

Sean Berleman.I’ve seen and written my name

thousands of times. Yet on January 20, 2003, I looked at it in a new light. In bright red font, Sean Berleman, lay on a light blue background. But most importantly, it was preceded by the phrase, “Written by.”

I had spent four years as a copy writer for the marketing and promotions company Frankel. During that time, I had written thousands of words that were published. But it was all anonymously.

A billboard next to I-90 enticing drivers to the latest McDonald’s sandwich. A tabletop ad cheering up post office workers in the months leading up to Christmas. An advertisement in Time Magazine letting readers know that they COULD BE A WINNER… provided, of course, that they open an account with Visa.

But it was incredibly special when my first children’s book came out with my name on the inside cover. I had already moved on to teaching by that time, but I cradled that “Tonka’s Fire Truck” in my hands and carefully flipped through the pages. I still get a smile, over a decade later, when I use one of my books in class as a teaching tool and see the students

lean forward in their seats.As a newspaper adviser, I have

seen many of my students tear through the newspaper to see their first story. A tiny smile curling their lips and cheeks flush with pride as they see their names in print.

I’ve always thought that was one of the reasons they stuck with the paper even when the deadline nights stretched into early morning or the computer decided to crash their work right before they were about to save.

This past week and a half, I’ve been at a conference listening to very smart people talk about journalism’s future.

The newspaper in print form is a dinosaur. The future is online with stories published minutes after the event. Seconds even. Social media is the future. Twitter. Twitter. Twitter.

Until tomorrow when it will be something else.

My school newspaper goes completely online next year and I wonder if students will still feel the magic of being published with their name in pixels instead of print. I wonder in the age of blogs for everyone what will being published mean?

Perhaps I am not giving my students enough credit and they will be able to navigate the nuances of the net. Perhaps this is merely the same literary earthquake that the printing press was for literacy of the masses. Perhaps.

My students pitch their first story ideas on August 15 this year. They’ll submit their stories a week later and will be online two days after that. The timeline turnaround has never been faster.

Too bad I won’t have the answers to my thoughts nearly so quickly.

8 Rambling RoseJuly 24, 2014Opinions

Sean Berleman Rambling RoseMy son still prefers my books to the iPad, but the siren call of technology will only grow louder.

Rambling Rose

The Rambling Rose is produced by the yellow cadre of the American Society of Newspaper Editors Reynolds Institute Austin 2014. We are producers of an open forum for free expression. Letters to the Editor can be submitted to the UT School of Journalism at 300 W. Dean Keeton, Austin, Texas 78712-1073. The editorial board reserves the right to revise, edit, condense, and reject any letters.

Staff

Sean BerlemanJanell Marmon

Rebecca MehrensMichelle Miller

Louisa OgleLori Vincent

Sean BerlemanStaff writer