This week’s water cooler wisdom:
- The Texas A&M Transportation Institute has released its annual list of the most congested highways in the state. The metro areas of Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Austin top the list with half of the top twenty located in Harris County. Did your route to work make the list? Transportation infrastructure for the state remains a hot topic.
- The Prada Marfa installation by Elmgreen & Dragset is now recognized as a museum. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) wanted the replica Prada store removed from the side of a Marfa, Texas highway claiming it was outdoor advertising– requiring state permits and licenses. The Ballroom Marfa Foundation will now lease the site where the installation sits so the building can be recognized as a museum with an “on-premise” sign. No state permit required. Cue Beyoncé jumping for joy.
- There are less than 50 days until the November 4, 2014 General Election. Are you registered? You must be registered by October 6, 2014 to vote in the November 4th election. For everything you need to know about voting, visit www.votetexas.gov.
Only in Austin…
75 years ago, the American classic film, Gone with the Wind was released. It was the longest American sound film of its time, one of the first major films in Technicolor, and the highest-grossing film for 27 years following its release. A new exhibit, “The Making of Gone with the Wind” at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas-Austin runs through January 4, 2015. Scarlett O’Hara’s famous green curtain dress, as well as other gowns worn by Vivien Leigh are on display together for the first time in more than 25 years. The Ransom Center’s collection also includes storyboards, fan mail, production records, makeup stills, costume, sketches, audition footage, and more. Frankly my dear, we still give a damn!
