It’s a typical Austin summer. It’s 105 degrees. The idea of stepping outside doesn’t exactly make you jump up and down with excitement. It would certainly take something special to get you out of doors. Something…unique. Unusual. Right? Well, how’s this--Transformers: The Movie outside Central Market on North Lamar Wednesday at dusk. We’re not talking about that Michael Bay seizure-inducing debacle (though we did enjoy watching Robosaurus chewing up cars at the Alamo). We’re talking about the 1986 animated adventure that only a robot-disguised-as-a-car/plane/tape deck/dinosaur-loving kid could love. more ›

LAist was comped front row seats by the Dodgers due to Malingering being struck by a foul ball last week, and she came back with some great photos, and earlier made fun of 4th of July on Venice Beach. But the biggest stories of the week was that the Mayor's Hot Tamale was revealed, and that a Kwik-E-Mart was erected in Burbank. Phillyist was busy doing the Fourth of July up right, exercising their... more ›

Monday, July 2film"Clash By Night" and "The Asphalt Jungle" at The Paramount Theatre filmLast day of "Labyrinth" at Dobie Theatre film/awesomeRobosaurus Live with "Transformers" at Alamo South Lamar foodCentral Market Cooking Class: Empanada Workshop at Central Market Cooking School, 4001 N Lamar ($65, 6:30-9:30pm)musicCanada, Our Solar System, Ryan Anderson at Emo’s musicBurning Brides, Strange Boys, Black Earth, Blackmarket at Emo’s musicBurning Brides at Waterloo Records (Free, 5pm)... more ›

Less than two hours are left before Apple's "revolutionary new mobile phone" is finally unleashed to the ravenous hordes. Like in every other big city in the country, Austin's gadget geeks and conspicuous consumers are eagerly awaiting the sweet sound of that six o'clock bell—when they'll finally get to the suckle from the engorged teet of Steve Jobs' brilliant marketing machine. more ›

Forget all those overhyped inventions like "language", "the printing press" and "insulin"--humankind's greatest achievement, both technically and spiritually, is a car-crushing, fire-breathing, 40-foot-tall robot named Robosaurus. And next week, Austinites will get a chance to see the great metallic beast do its thing firsthand as the Alamo Drafthouse and AT&T present The Ultimate Transformers Experience. more ›

WEDNESDAY [28] film •AFS presents "Grindhouse" at The Paramount Theatre books •Larry Speck presents Technology, Sustainability, and Cultural Identity at BookPeople (7:00pm) books •Mayor's Book Club, First Discussion of Around the Bloc by Stephanie Elizondo Griest at International Center of Austin (7:00pm) film •Third Coast Night screens "Sacco & Vanzetti" at Alamo Drafthouse Downtown film •"Transformers: The Movie" at Alamo Drafthouse Downtown film •Weird Wednesdays: "Erotic Adventures of Superknight" at Alamo Drafthouse Downtown film... more ›

MONDAY [19] film • Alejandro Jodorowsky's "El Topo" at Alamo Drafthouse Downtown music • Melissa Ferrick, Coles Whalen at Stubb's film • "8-Bit": A film about art & video games at Alamo Drafthouse Downtown TUESDAY [20] books • O. Henry Prize Winning Short Story Adaptations at Harry Ransom Center (7:00pm) food • Central Market Cooking Class: Chef Justin Raiford - Flavors of Spring at Central Market Cooking School, 4001 N Lamar ($50, 6:30-9pm) music... more ›

WEDNESDAY [7] music • The Shins, Viva Voce at The Backyard music • Love and Dancing, with Daetron Vargas, Disco Nihilist, Majora Y Minora, and John Gomi at The Peacock music • Spinto Band, Dios, The Changes at Emo's music • Invincible Czars, Bee vs Moth, Golden Arm Trio at Emo's Lounge music • Woodgrain Wednesday with Bavu Blakes, DJ Rapid Ric, D-Madness at The Parish Room music • Patty Griffin at Waterloo Records... more ›

MONDAY [22] [film] Letters from the Other Side at Congregational Church of Austin (7pm, Free) [link] [film] Hands on a Hard Body at Austin Java (8pm, Free) [link] [film] Jarhead at Cafe Mundi (8pm, Free) [link] [film] True Stories at Rounders Pizzeria (8pm, Free) [link] [film] Salt of the Earth at MonkeyWrench Books (8pm, $5) [link] [film] Anime Monday at Ventana del Sol (7:30pm) [link] [tv] 24 Season Finale at Alamo Downtown (7pm, Free) [link]... more ›

Since one of Austinist's favorite illustrators is Dr. Seuss, we took a particular interest in the paintings of Lance Bradley, whose work slightly resembles that of the good doctor. (Check out our favorite childhood book here.) more ›

-Surprise, surprise: NCLB has, in fact, left most behind. -Considering weight loss surgery? You're 4.6% likely to die. Better options: eating right, vigorous exercise, or picking up a cocaine habit. -Yet another reason why we wish we were twelve: Star Wars Transformers! -As a rule, when you throw a house party, uninvited guests will invariably show up. -These 2006 SXSW wristbands are going for a great cause. -They're actually arguing that intelligent design is... more ›