John Oliver Explains Net Neutrality in 13 Hilarious Minutes
John Oliver explains Net Neutrality perfectly Update: June 4, 2014, 2:45 p.m. The US Federal Communications Commission website crashed on Monday. While the FCC won’t credit John Oliver, the crash occurred hours after he invoked internet commenters – “Good Evening, Monsters” – to share their views with the agency on its plan to create a “tiered…
5 Thing You Have to Do This Week
Mon 6/2 Destruction Unit The public thrills and private strains of the touring circuit pretty much guarantee that bands are committed to their projects. But it’s rare to see a group of musicians as philosophically intact as Destruction Unit, six dudes throwing their bodies and minds at their pure and heavy psych-outs. They’re van rats,…
Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton Outtakes Online, Doc Available on iTunes
Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton, the excellent documentary on Stones Throw Records, screens tonight in San Antonio at 9:30pm at the Alamo Drafthouse Park North (618 NW Loop 410). Championed by DJ Gibb, the documentary was brought to San Antonio by a website called Tugg, a crowdsourcing site that allows interested parties to bring one-off film screenings to…
R.I.P. Ann B. Davis: 5 Favorite Scenes of Alice
via San Antonio lost a beloved resident yesterday with the passing of Ann B. Davis. Throughout TV land, she charmed our giggles as Alice, the wisecracking, slapstick silly housekeeper in The Brady Bunch. Davis moved to San Antonio in 1996 with friends from her church community. She continued to appear in television and on stage and…
What I Ate: Spam musubi at L&L Hawaiian Grill and Spurs viewing at Tycoon Flats
L & L Hawaiian Grill opened on Wednesday and I’ve been twice. The second time was with my Hawaii-bred friend who give it his seal of approval. Otherwise, the week included stops at Tycoon Flats to catch the Spurs and a visit to GS 1221. Follow me on Instagram for more food porn: @JessElizarraras. Went…
Seafood Spots Around Town
June is National Seafood Month, so like we did this last month with barbecue and burgers, we’ve compiled a list of spots to catch some seafood in the Alamo City. The is a modest list of 16 seafood joints so if we missed you’re favorite, please let us know in the comments below. The Sandbar Fish…
Steakhouses Around SA
Get those knives and forks ready because June is National Steakhouse Month. To get your taste buds ready for such a juicy month we’ve put together a list of places to get down while you chow down. Kobe Japanese Steakhouse (Via) 1007 NW 410 Loop Frontage, (210) 524-9333, kobesa.com Kirby’s Steakhouse 123 1604 NE, (210) 404-2221, kirbyssteakhouse.com…
Sunday Night Sound Bite: Los Texmaniacs on ‘A Prairie Home Companion’
Those who tuned into to this weekend’s (May 31, 2014) edition of A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor hopefully shared in our delight to hear Grammy-winning hometown heroes Los Texmaniacs returning to the program less than a year after their November 2013 appearance. In the midst of stellar company (which included Aussie singer/guitarist/songwriter Colin…
Lil B Drops ‘Hoop Life Mixtape’ just in time for Kevin Durant’s loss to the Spurs
Lil B’s Hoop Life Mixtape Last night, the Spurs beat OKC in a thrilling 112-107 overtime victory, the first (and final) close game in the Western Conference Finals. With “Fuck Kevin Durant” and a twitter-based curse on the 2014 MVP, Lil B has proven his enmity against KD. But today, the day after Durant and…
SA Parks & Rec Aims to Set Guinness Record for World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
via facebook.com/SAParksandRec Here’s SA’s chance to claim a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records: the San Antonio Parks and Recreation is shooting for “The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson.” The record to beat is 19,322 participants, assembled by Team WLSL in 2011. Headquartered in Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon in Orlando, Florida, the swim lesson was held in…
Remembering Maya Angelou, “a Rainbow in the Cloud”
Dr. Maya Angelou, 1993, via On Wednesday, the African-American community lost its beautiful and genuine matriarch, the person who best personified the strength, grace and beauty of the culture. A phenomenal lady that most African Americans who experienced the pre civil rights years, as well as those born into a post period could identify with…
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Tour Is Suddenly Cancelled
The second coming of Christ has been cancelled, and thank God. Just look at this hot mess of a cast! Sex Pistols’ John Rotten Lyndon was playing King Herod; Destiny Child’s Michelle Williams sang Mary Magdelene; Incubus’ Brandon Boyd was Judas Iscariot; ‘N Sync’s JC Chasez had Pontius Pilate. And Jesus? An ITV Superstar (British for American Idol), Ben…
Silo Chef Vies for ‘Next Food Network Star’ Title
(Via) Another of SA’s chefs is about to get his 15-minutes on the Food Network this summer. Chef Luca Della Casa of both Silos and Nosh is one of 12 finalists for season 10 of Next Food Network Star, which premieres Sunday, June 1 at 8 p.m. In advance of the show’s premiere, Della…
15 Recipes to Try Before Seeing ‘Maleficent’ This Weekend
This weekend Angelina Jolie will suit up in a slinky black and purple garb for Disney’s Maleficient. It’s only appropriate that after trying out a few of these recipes you’ll want to fall in a deep slumber yourself; however, you won’t need to prick your finger with a needle for that to happen. From violent to…
DC Comics ‘Harley Quinn’ Artist Comes To San Antonio
via Chad Hardin, whose done work for DC Comics, Image, and Boom!, is coming to Heroes and Fantasies for a book signing this weekend. Hardin’s work spans several different well-known comics, including Dark Horse’s Dragon Age, Harley Quinn for DC Comics, Stan Lee’s The Traveler, and many more. According to a press release, the two-day…
Sexto Sol’s Chicano Funk on Display at Sam’s Burger Joint on Saturday
SA Chicano funk outfit Sexto Fol “In the Mayan calendar, “Sexto Sol” means the Sixth Sun. Accordingly, the sixth sun is meant to indicate the beginning of the age of progress. And Sexto Sol is a progressive delivery of existing musical undertones.” That telling description is lifted straight from SA Chicano funk outfit Sexto…
The Outtakes: Extended Q&A with artist Robert Tatum
Tatum outside his working studio. (Bryan Rindfuss) From our May 28 cover story: Meet the Artists Behind SA’s Most Iconic Restaurant Interiors How would you introduce yourself to Current readers that may have seen your work out and about in San Antonio? I’ve always been an artist. I was born to know how to draw. I…
The Outtakes: Extended Q&A with Artist Gilbert Duran
San Antonio artist Gilbert Duran in his Studio 911 Gilbert Duran How would you introduce yourself to Current readers that may have seen your work out and about in San Antonio? I have been painting for a very long time here in the city. I did take a hiatus to El Paso for 10 years…
Bonehead Quote of the Week: Stu Burguiere On Sexual Assault
Just days after the horrific shooting rampage at the University of California, Santa Barbara by a troubled misogynist,Glenn Beck’s show “The Blaze” featured a segment with co-host Stu Burguiere mocking and marginalizing alarming national rape statistics. The right-wing Burguiere spends ample time striving to debunk a White House report that highlights instances of college rape…
Reasonable Doubt: Can the Bexar County Public Defender’s Office be saved?
On May 6, Richard Dulany nearly gave up on Bexar County. The 48 year-old attorney is one of two appellate public defenders, hired by Bexar County to represent accused criminals who cannot afford to retain their own lawyer. He had been alternately baffled and frustrated practically since he started with the office in the spring…
SA Food Pics: A look at what SA ate this week
This week SA locals were spotted all over town at Sam’s Burger Joint (330 E Grayson), El Mirador (722 S St. Mary’), Stella Public House (1414 S Alamo), Rosario’s Mexican Cafe Y Cantina (910 S Alamo) and several other area favorites. Here’s a small collection of food shots–from the drool-worthy to the slightly blurry. Snap…
What’s Cooler Than a Party Bus? 3 Local Bars Offer Transportation
Courtesy/David Rangel It’s a moving party with Chris Erck of Tacoland and Jeret Pena of The Brooklynite who are celebrating their collaboration, Stay Golden Social House. A free party bus will take patrons to The Brooklynite (516 Brooklyn), Stay Golden Social House (401 Pearl) and Tacoland (103 W Grayson) on Friday, May 30 through Saturday, May 31 and…
Soft Opening in the Works for Missions Untapped
There’s another beer station just about open inside the old Rev Room Sports bar. Missions Untapped (8123 Broadway, Ste B) will host a soft opening Friday, May 30. The bar, owned by newcomers Chris George and Xavier Garcia, will host the brew-happy SA Girls’ Pint Out group for a ladies only bottle exchange from 7…
10 Free Events Happening This Week
Get Reel: Johnny Guitar 6:30, Thurs, May 29 Considered influential by French New Wave directors, this 1954 Western stars San Antonio-born Oscar winner Joan Crawford as Vienna, a tough-as-nails saloon owner whose support of a new railroad doesn’t make her popular with the local cattle folk. When her former lover Johnny Guitar (Sterling Hayden) rolls in,…
10 Things You Have to Do This Weekend
Thu 5/29 GET REEL: 60th Anniversary Film Series: Johnny Guitar Considered influential by French New Wave directors, this 1954 Western stars San Antonio-born Oscar winner Joan Crawford as Vienna, a tough-as-nails saloon owner whose support of a new railroad doesn’t make her popular with the local cattle folk. When her former lover Johnny Guitar (Sterling…
City Council Approves SAWS Impact Fee Increase
In an 9-2 vote, City Council approved plans to increase San Antonio Water System water supply “impact fees”— a one-time charge that covers the cost of water systems for new development and, according to SAWS, a way to prevent existing ratepayers from subsidizing new customers. As a result of input from the Mayor and Council, rather…
Shot of the Week: Lunch Break
Daytime drinking is the best drinking. (Dustin Dooling) This week’s shot is a testament to my adoration of daytime drinking. Sun up, bottom’s up should be everyone’s motto. However, many of you have jobs that selfishly dictate your daytime hours. Fear not, that’s what lunch breaks are for. This week’s shot of the week, the…
5 Geeky Things to Help You Beat the Heat This Summer
via This summer, why drive to the beach, get sunburned, and sand in your suit when you could stay indoors, enjoy the air conditioning, and do something geeky for a change? San Antonio has plenty of things to do during the week and weekend to keep you out of the sun, but still having fun.…
Alamo Colleges Runoff Election Rescheduled
The runoff election for the Alamo Colleges’ District 4 and 8 board of trustees has been moved from June 14 to June 21. Alamo Colleges runoff candidates go to head to head on June 21. Photo by Mary Tuma. Alamo Colleges had to switch things up when the Bexar County Elections Department, under requirement by the Secretary of State,…
X-Men Review: ‘Days of Future Past’ Goes Back To The Future
Xavier, The Beast, and Wolverine must fight for a brighter future. via In the Marvel universe, mutants are an evolutionary leap for humanity. For moviegoers, Days of Future Past is an evolutionary leap for the franchise. Marvel’s campy antics do not make an appearance in this mature and action-packed installment. Much like its time-traveling premise,…
Van de Putte, Texas Dems Respond To Patrick Win
With the Republican primary candidate for lieutenant governor now settled after yesterday’s runoff election, state Democrats are wasting no time at taking square aim at right-wing Tea Party favorite state Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston), who delivered a crushing defeat over incumbent Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. The wide margin win coupled with other Tea Party-backed victories,…
Aural Pleasure Review: Parquet Courts, ‘Sunbathing Animal’
Parquet Courts, Sunbathing Animal (Mom + Pop) **** If it’s not a direct rip, then the riff that opens Sunbathing Animal come as close to copping the landmark intro from Television’s “Marquee Moon” as is legally possible. It’s a deliberate move, with the imprint of Television’s classic 1977 debut felt all over the Brooklyn-via-Texas quartet’s excellent new…
Saytown Beatdown: Talkin’ Chisme
Chisme, It’s OK to Dream If Korean Mardi Gras succeeds in spite of itself on sheer bombast and over-the-top abandon, Chisme’s recently released It’s OK to Dream is damn near the exact opposite. The majestic third release from Saytown duo Chisme (rapper R.E.L. and producer Progeny) is the work of mature and confident music-makers who…
Saytown Beatdown: Celebrating the Korean Mardi Gras
With Logic hitting the White Rabbit this Saturday, shows from Dizzy Wright, Future, Too Short and Kevin Gates on the horizon—plus shit like last Tuesday’s ill Hip-Hop Locals showcase—there’s plenty of hip-hop goodness here in the 210. As always, hit me up with all things hip-hop at beatdown@sacurrent.com. Dead the Poets, Korean Mardi Gras Here’s…
Aural Pleasure Review: Led Zeppelin, II and III Reissues
Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin, II and III Reissues (Atlantic) ***** Like the works of the blues masters they worshiped in these early days, Led Zeppelin’s first three albums—remastered here by Jimmy Page—are primal, near-physical emotional experiences. The diamond selling Led Zeppelin and II, along with the six-time platinum III, have become indispensable parts of our contemporary cultural…
Flavor File: Torchy’s heads to SA, Minnie’s closes and a ‘Game of Thrones’ pub quiz
Is there such a thing as too many tacos? No, don’t be silly. Austin-based Torchy’s Tacos is likely heading to the Alamo City Sales Tax Permit records indicate Success Food Management Group LLC, Torchy’s parent company was issued a permit for the Lincoln Heights area. We’ve contacted the taco company’s team to confirm the location…
Savage Love: Big issue
I’m a 25-year-old lesbian, and I live with my partner of two years. My family is coming to visit from Texas, where they are part of a hyperconservative church. I’m not out to my mom. While I want this to be a happy occasion, I’m not willing to hide who I am in my own…
New Stay Golden Bar Packs a Punch
First things first, let’s tackle that name change. Golden Gloves Social House is no more, after a request was made by the National Golden Gloves of America organization to kindly stop using the moniker. In its place is Stay Golden Social House, a nod to staying young, at least according to Urban Dictionary. I stopped…
Stones Throw Records Proves Its Hip-Hop Weight in New Documentary
Despite all evidence to the contrary, Stones Throw is not a hip-hop record label. Though their imprint has graced the packaging of J Dilla’s Donuts and Madvillain’s untouchable Madvillainy, Stones Throw demiurge Peanut Butter Wolf turns down the rap label status throughout Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton, the new documentary on the LA-based independent. Rather,…
Bottle & Tap: Big Bend Brewing
As you gear up for summer vacation, no doubt many of you are dreaming of the mystical and enchanting Big Bend area. You thirst for the mountains, the desert and the breathtaking sunsets. If you also thirst for a good craft beer while you enjoy that sunset … you’re in luck. It might seem like…
Texas’ Dark Money Debate Revived
A bipartisan group of Texas legislators are aiming to shed light on the shadowy trail of money from special politically active nonprofits. Under 501(c)(4) status, increasingly influential “dark money” groups can funnel cash to campaigns with no legal obligation to disclose donors, causing legislators and public interest groups—locally and nationally—to cry foul when it comes…
Designing Hot Joy takes a village
Hot Joy doesn’t do subtle–that much is evident as soon as you step inside the eatery. The vestibule holds a floor-to-ceiling shelf filled with Asian tchotchkes on the left with pillowy couches that fill in as a waiting area on the right. Above hang a series of cage lanterns, in all shapes and sizes, welcoming…
Arizona’s Destruction Unit
The public thrills and private strains of the touring circuit pretty much guarantee that bands are committed to their projects. But it’s rare to see a group of musicians as philosophically intact as Destruction Unit, six dudes throwing their bodies and minds at their pure and heavy psych-outs. They’re van rats, on the road any…
Dexter, Chuck Yeager and Det. Crockett Walk into a Movie…
Cold in July, director Jim Mickle’s adaptation of Joe R. Lansdale’s novel, is a stark, gritty production and a powerful example of what happens when the screenplay is one step ahead of the audience. The movie twists and turns and thwarts expectations, and despite some plot contrivances, it’s a solid, if grim, viewing experience. Richard…
So-So Sports Bar at Play Sports & Kitchen
Ever visit a place and leave hoping that it was just having a “bad day”? That’s the feeling that I got on a recent visit to Play Sports + Kitchen. Maybe I’ve been watching a little bit too much Bar Rescue lately, but while I was there I would not have been the least bit…
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19): “When I was young,” wrote French author Albert Camus, “I expected people to give me more than they could — continuous friendship, permanent emotion.” That didn’t work out so well for him. Over and over, he was awash in disappointment. “Now I have learned to expect less of them than they…
Hot Joy’s Here to Stay
Since its inception more than two years ago as one of the first true pop-ups in the city, Hot Joy’s been a hit. Maybe it was the The Monterey’s seal of approval? Maybe it was the relatively inexpensive and hard-to-find Asian eats making it to Southtown’? Or maybe it was the twice-fried crab fat caramel…
Meet the Artists Behind SA’s Most Iconic Restaurant Interiors
With increasing frequency, we find ourselves eating in the midst of artwork created by either LA transplant Robert Tatum or SA native Gilbert Duran—two distinct characters who don’t quite fit within the confines of the local gallery scene. While Tatum’s work—which incorporates logo design, outdoor signage and murals—can be seen at Sip, Il Sogno, Umai…
The Moody Blues’ Justin Hayward Swaps Prog for Accoustic
With Game of Thrones’ massive success inserting dense layers of fantasy into pop TV, the Moody Blues’ marketing people should be tossing the British act’s material in banner ads any time a nerd searches for the HBO series. Like Game of Thrones, the Moody Blues has a knack for taking huge supernatural ideas and zipping…
Primary Runoff Election Results
The results are in. Photo by Rick Canfield. Tommy Calvert (pictured here at the Cesar Chavez march for justice) wins the primary runoff over Debra Guerrero. Primary runoff election totals yielded a win for Bexar County Commissioner Precinct 4 Democratic candidate and Eastside organizer Tommy Calvert, who upset SAISD board of trustee member and former…
Aural Pleasure Review: Sharon Van Etten, ‘Are We There’
Sharon Van Etten, Are We There (Jagjaguwar) **** As the Arcade Fire and St. Vincent proved in recent months, fourth albums tend to carry with them a sort of go-for-broke urgency. New York-based singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten may not have reinvented to the degree of those other acts, but Are We There, her fourth release, is…
7 Ways to Get Your Drink/Grub on this Week
Pick up some basil at this week’s Pearl Farmers Market. (Courtesy) Saturday, May 31: Caprese salads wouldn’t be complete without fresh basil. Load up on the leafy herb during this year’s Basil Fest at the Pearl Farmers Market. The San Antonio Herb Market Association will host basil enthusiasts for seminars, gardening activities for the kiddos,…
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Opens Wednesday, May 28
(Via) I know I’ve been sitting at the edge of my seat for a chance to get my hands on L&L Hawaiian Barbecue’s Saimin Burger, and now we’ll finally get to on Wednesday, May 28 at 10 a.m. at 1302-1 Austin Hwy. The Hawaiian-based franchise shared the opening date today on its Facebook page. The…
New Concept in the Works for Tapa Tapa Owner
Tapa Tapa, we hardly knew you. (Courtesy) Naming things can be tricky. No one will know that better than would-be restaurant owners trying to come up with jazzy monikers that stick. It makes sense then, that Rudolfo Martinez, chef-owner of Tapa Tapa Truck will now use the name for his upcoming eatery at 2327 N…
What I Ate: Modern ‘cue at the Granary and a stop at El Machito
Another great week of food has gone by. This time I learned that you can’t do three days of Culinaria and follow it with a seven-course dinner at The Granary. I ended the week with a trip to Costco of all places, where I captured a video of their massive selection, followed by a satiating…
Eat Spurs Spirit At These Popular Bakeries
It’s game day in SA so let’s get that Spurs spirit flowing with what better way, through our taste buds. Here are the places to go to pick up some sweets to indulge during game time. The Spur-shaped donut in all its glazed glory. (Courtesy Photo) Spurs Donuts Donuts come in all shapes and sizes,…
Booze News: A traveling takeover, bubbly dinner and Southtown Beer Camp
Booze News slings up the latest gulp downs around town every Tuesday. Brews and bites from Tapas y Tapas. (via) Ladies, grab that bike and get to drinking. Girls’ Pint Out San Antonio is having the first female organized traveling tap takeover with The Kick Stand on Saturday, June 7 at 9:30 a.m. The ride begins…
Primary Runoff Election Today
It’s primary runoff election day, San Antonio, and we hope you’re taking part in the democratic process by casting a vote today. If you don’t know where to go, who’s on the ballot or if you can even vote in the runoffs, we’ve got you covered with our primary runoff election reminders. Via Creative Commons…
SA’s Lonely Horse vies for Brooklyn’s Afro-Punk Fest
Nick Long and Travis Hild of Lonely Horse SA duo Lonely Horse are trying for a spot on Brooklyn’s most excellent Afro-Punk Fest, occurring August 23-24 this summer. Now in its tenth year, Afro-Punk strives to represent the “open-minded, non-conforming and unconventional” at the “epicenter of urban culture inspired by alternative music,” according to their website. The 2013 festival…
Turntable Tuesday: The Funky Fuzzy Sounds of West Africa
Though we spend most of our time in the music section writing about new material, Turntable Tuesday allows us to look back, and look closely at some captivating albums in our catalog. This week’s column dives into the Luaka Bop label’s Love’s Real Thing: The Funky Fuzzy Sounds of West Africa. Throughout the 1970s, the influence of…
7 Delicious Treats To Beat The Heat
The end of May is looming over us, which means the thermometer is about to go up in Texas. Don’t fret, there’s always a frosty treat near in SA. 1. SA Pops (3420 N St. Mary’s) Paletas dipped in chocolate, strawberry or sprinkles! What more could you ask for? (Courtesy) 2. Frozen Fridays (447 W…
Picking Strawberries Equals A Berry Good Time
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no wait it’s a strawberry. (via Flickr/c3lsius) When you’re at the supermarket and you grab that plastic box of strawberries don’t you wish there was a more festive way to pick fruit? You start to picture yourself getting back to nature and eating fruit the way it was meant to…
Celebrating Negroni Week in SA
(Courtesy Wikipedia) In a world where there’s a day, month or week for every commodity from peanut butter (January 24) to pickles (November 14—you still have time to plan), it should come as no surprise that the Negroni also gets its recognition, called Cocktails for a Cause, from June 2- June 8. If your response…
