Bambi, the Buck Stops Here

Hunting season ended last week and we know what you're thinking... "When is Sears having a sale on freezers?" Sorry, it's not in our mission statement to post home appliance sales, but maybe we can still help out with all that left-over meat. Law-abiding hunters in the State of Texas are probably aware of the toll-free hotline on each hunting license. Hunters for the Hungry encourages hunters to call the hotline for referrals to local processors who participate in programs to feed the less fortunate. Part of the End Hunger Network, the five-year-old, fresh meat distribution program has sent out over 250,000 lbs. of venison to agencies across the state. So, if you haven't earmarked all that fresh flesh for venison chili, or venison stew, or venison cupcakes for a Super Bowl party, then call 'em up and help 'em out. Hunters for the Hungry: 800/992-9767. End Hunger Network: 713/963-0099.

[[perthousand]] Fiery Red Horse Productions also wants deer meat to help two causes: The Deer Hunter's Ball, Sat, Jan 27, 2pm, is an end-of-deer-season, pre-Super Bowl barbecue held "in honor of Texas' most famous deer hunters -- the sportsmen who pinned down Charles Whitman in 1966." (We couldn't make that up if we tried...) Proceeds will go towards the production of the play, Texans and Their Guns, to run at Planet Theatre this spring. The homeless clients of Angel House will receive all unused venison. 453-0482.

Hate Sucks

The recent murder of another gay Texan, Frank Mangione, who was brutally stabbed to death in Houston, only makes the Pledge Project of the Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas even more urgent. The two suspects arrested in connection with the murder are self-proclaimed neo-Nazis who allegedly had warned they were "going to get a fag." Last year, the Texas House held back two lousy votes (68-70) to pass tougher hate crimes laws (SB141). The motion had passed (22-8) in the State Senate. What's it going to take? Our dedication sure couldn't hurt. Once the Pledge Project cards are collected, LGRL will present them to next year's Legislature. 474-5475.

[[perthousand]] A Memorial Service for the victims of hate crimes will be held at First United Methodist, Thu, Feb 1, 7:30pm. Out Youth, P-FLAG, and other organizations are arranging the service. The Capital City Men's Chorus are slated to perform. [email protected] or 467-9578.

Stirred, Shaken, Stoked

If the yearly figures generated by Austin Rape Crisis Center or Austin Battered Women's Shelter don't make you feel any of the above, then maybe the free perks that come with a contribution to their team fundraiser will. Women, Beer, & Cigars (see ad below), Thu, Feb 1, 6:30pm, offers a fine evening of sipping, slurping, and smokin' for a very fair $20. This time, the popular, by women, for women event is at Maggie Mae's, Trinity & Sixth. 473-8801.

Improved Circulation

The whole idea of mass transit is to make mobility easier. For everyone. So instead of haranguing Cap Met for not doing it sooner, let us celebrate their expedience in putting together the new East Austin Circulator bus route. Developed in response to Sustainable Food Center and Austin-Travis County Food Policy Council's findings that neighbors east of I-35 without automobiles were shown to spend more and eat less nutritionally because they relied on convenience stores for food, the new route whizzes around key supermarkets and Eastside neighborhoods. The kick-off party is Sat, Jan 20, 11am-1pm at Seton East Community Health Clinic. 472-2073.

Chicago Gets Electric

The demise of Austin's beloved Chicago House left a void in venues for the spoken and gently sung arts (not to mention great benefit shows). Poet's Open Mic, Thu, Jan 25, 7-10pm, Electric Lounge, with Thom the World Poet and music by Guy Forsythe, Troy Campbell, etc., will raise dough for new digs. 416-7435 or 476-FUSE. n