Years ago before Docubloggers started, I produced a story for In Context about Catherine Lee, an internationally recognized artist that happens to live in Wimberley, Tx. (more…)

The Great Urban Race is a nationwide series of scavenger hunts held in cities coast to coast. 2009 was its second year in Austin, so we decided to check it out.

We were put in touch with Donna and Angie, who came in 74^th place in last year’s race, but won the costume contest as Team Boo-Bees (Donna as a ghost and Angie as a Bee. Get it?). They were in it to win it in ’09 and we couldn’t wait to chronicle their journey – or their costumes.

We volunteered Docu-Intern Drew for this assignment, and this story is the result of several hours of racing mayhem. Enjoy!

Pot, weed, refer, ganja, hash, marijuana.  It’s been called a gateway drug, a destroyer of youth, and medicine.  With states fighting to legalize medical marijuana and keep the federal government from raiding crops and dispensaries, this issue has moved to the forefront of states rights.   Texas does not allow medical marijuana, but two new bills have been introduced to the house for the current session that would change that.  Where do you line up on this issue?  We talked to people on the street, Willie Nelson, Ray Benson, Josh Schimberg of NORML, and Ron Paul to see where they line up on the issue of medical marijuana.  Get involved!  We want to hear from you on this. Contact your Representative to let them know where you stand on this issue.

It’s sometimes difficult to describe just what the Dionysium really is. Sometimes its a lecture about Plato’s four types of love.  Sometimes it’s a debate about how nano-technology can be manipulated for evil purposes.  And sometimes they appear to be making stuff up on the fly. Regardless, if you could say one thing about the Dionysium, it would have to be that its totally entertaining.

Whats not to love about an event that includes a sing-along, a cartoon and a toast to the Greek god of wine?

Gay marriage is always a hot topic, and peoples opinions on this issue are wide ranging.  I wanted to talk to everyday people and hear what they think about the gay marriage issue as well as talking to Ron Paul to get the politician angle as well.  This was also a great opportunity to explore the differences in the specifics and laws that apply to same sex marriage. We all hear sound bites about this topic in the media, but not enough to make an informed decision, hopefully this will help a bit.

This interview with Texas State Representative Elliot Naishtat covers House Bill 861, which would allow the University of Texas and A&M systems to offer domestic partner benefits to “other qualified individuals”, thereby opening the doors for same-sex couples. Rep. Naishtat explains the reasoning behind his bill, and addresses concerns about gay marriage in Texas.