Public Notice

National news has again rattled the cage of our local complacency. While Central Texas is often in the world-wide lens (as evidenced by our Texas athletes in the Olympic Games in Atlanta), our down-home eyes still squint in the limelight. So when that light focuses on tragedy of global magnitude and we are hit so close to home, our periphery is fiercely shaken.

The Austin public service community and "Public Notice" extend deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and co-workers of Pamela S. Lychner (37) who perished along with her beloved daughters, Shannon (10) and Katie (8) in the horrific explosion of TWA Flight 800.

Lychner co-founded the Houston victims' rights organization Justice for All. Her strength and compassion touched so many. Her devotion to her daughters led her to leave her position on the group's board to spend some quality time with the girls. Contributions may be sent to: The Pam, Shannon, & Katie Lychner Memorial Fund, Attn.: Sue Cook, c/o Riverway Bank, PO Box 56667, Houston, TX 77256. For information or to send donations to Justice for All in the Lychner's name: Justice for All, PO Box 55159, Houston, TX 77255. 713/935-9300.

New Digs for Compassion Across the river and up the road a piece from the old noble Grassroots Peace building is the new home for anchor organizations Foundation for and Feminists for a Compassionate Society. Their new flat is at 1711 S. Congress and the phone numbers have changed (see below). The FCSs are responsible for last spring's amazing night with Angela Davis, Gloria Steinem, Mililani Trask, and María Jiménez. Videos and books commemorating that evening are on sale right now. Call FCS for the full scoop. Foundation,447-6222; Feminists,447-8935 or 447-8906. Rap Party KAZI-FM 88.7's teen talk show "Wrap It Up" broadcasts live from the heart of a Street Party thrown by Project REACH, an HIV education project of the Community Action Network and Planned Parenthood. The party, Sat, Jul 27, noon in the Planned Parenthood parking lot, 1209 Rosewood, promises fun, food, music, confidential (free) HIV testing, and more. 472-0868. Bellies Up! Divers Down! Spring-board maniacs splash for cash at Barton Springs, for Barton Springs at the annual Diving Championships, Sat, Jul 27, 9am-7pm. Trophies will be awarded to winners in the Best Traditional, Most Original, and Best Splash categories in two age groups. Celebs will dive (some of the Esther's gang, a Spur, and an ex-Detroit Lion, among others), celebs will perform (Christine Albert, Ponty Bone, "Guitar Jake," and Monte Warden). Register at the Springs, other city pools, and Randall's Supermarkets. 476-4521. File Not Included

Inmates and juvenile offenders from 25 correctional facilities offer creative restitution by donating arts and crafts for the Parents Anonymous Prison Break!! Art Auction & Sale, at the Austin Museum of Art @ Laguna Gloria, Sat, Jul 27, 7-9pm. And lest the word juxtaposition confuses, Parents Anonymous is an organization whose purpose is to strengthen families and stop child abuse through education. Free admission and a kids' area makes the day all the better. 459-5490.

Finger Snaps Won't Do It

Angry pickles!!

The stone sat alone in its solitude. A.

Very.

Quiet.

Kind of.

Solitude.

Oh, rock. Oh, rock is an island.

Mother, I am an island. And I yearn.

Oh! Rock. To rock. The stone cold silence of Solitary Nerf makes me famished. And alone.

And the kangaroo said, "Whoop-Da."

The iambic (and maybe not) meanderings of our Austin Poetry Slam Team (who are not responsible for the intro) will challenge, cajole, and caress your damaged little psyche (see cover story, pg.32). All they want in return is your money so they can rock the National Poetry Slam competition in Portland, Oregon. So fundraise they shall. They'll share the booty with the Austin Writers` League from the Salon at Shoreline, an event featuring the Gourds, Guy Forsyth, Tapestry Dance, the aforementioned po-ettes, and more, Mon, Jul 29, 7-10pm at the Shoreline Grill.

Oh, about the above po-M... Don't worry, we won't be slamming! 327-8440 or 477-9272.

Here Come the Brides The Lesbian Avengers are righteously pissed about the so-called "Defense of Marriage Act" passed by the U.S. House of so-called Representatives. If you are too, meet 'em at the corner of Third & Congress, Fri, Jul 26, noon, for a procession to the Mock Wedding at the Capitol. Bring a date and get mock-married. What the hell, maybe after the joyous action you'll get lucky and have a mock honeymoon! 458-2377. Hold on to Your Cans Due to the Fire at the BFI Recycling warehouse, City of Austin will Suspend Recycling Services through Fri, Jul 26. Regular service resumes Mon, Jul 29. 499-2111. (Not) Fade Away & Radiate There's hardly room to tell you of the two fab Benefit Shows for KVRX 91.7FM. First: Fri, Jul 26 at Antone's; the theme is "Surf*Swing*Soul." Second is at New Guild Coop, Sat, Jul 27 the theme might be "Slurp*Slam*Snarf" but we're not sure. The press release is a tad sketchy... and late. Call for the line-ups.495-KVRX.