twitter jitters

photo: Stefan Moore

I just started my twitter account today due to all the rave it received at the 2009 SXSW Film, Interactive and Music Festival. It's all Greek to me at this point, but I have a feeling I'll be speaking twitter fluently in a matter of days. I'm a lover of people, their opinions and company. Twitter is just one more way I can stay in technical contact with those who are far far away from me.

I spent more time texting people that were not with me in Austin then talking with the people I was with in Austin. I felt guilty and bizarre by this impulsive behavior. I was unable to stop myself from obsessive texting. I was most definitely not the only person glued to the screen and keypad of their cell phone. I sat at many dinners, attended many parties and stood in several lines with everyone around me on their cell; texting away. Moments would go by before one word was spoken among those of us standing next to one another. A new experience for me for sure; yet one I'm inclined to grow comfortable with.

Alas, I had an amazing time at SXSW 2009. Between text messages I managed to meet new friends, screen great independent films, check out informative panels, eat kick ass cheeseburgers, drink many cocktails and wear my cowgirl boots. Austin is a great city and SXSW is a great festival.

The best part of my experience was, Casino El Camino. This is the best place to get a cheeseburger in Austin. (Maybe on earth.) This is first-come-first-serve seating establishment. Come hungry and patient. There is a back patio complete with small wild birds that poop on your steadicam operator friend while your eating. (yes, this happened and it was awesome.)
The staff is heavily pierced and tattooed as well as extremely nice and efficient. I heart the staff. (Be nice to them and tip them well when you go.) You walk up to the kitchen and order your food through the window. Through the kitchen window you are able to watch the cooks prepare fresh beef by hand. It's amazing. Fresh beef and they build fat patties right before your eyes. Wowee!
I tried 4 of the 6 burgers on the menu during my week in Austin. I shared each time we stopped in for a meal because the servings are huge. (yes, I was sharing with guys and all they could eat was half of a burger.) I tried the L.A. burger, the Pitts burger, the Buffalo burger and the K.C. burger. I ordered all of them MR temp and I liked all of them. My favorite is the Pitts burger.
check the menu out: http://www.casinoelcamino.net/menu.php

I was able to stay for the first day of music and caught a performance by M. Ward. He was brilliant and although a short performance; well worth it. He rocks.
Check these indie films and music videos out when you get a chance:
http://www.trueadolescents.com/ dir. by Craig Johnson
http://www.humpdayishere.com/ dir. by Lynn Shelton
http://www.littledizzlefilm.com/ dir. by David Russo
http://www.bestworstmovie.com/ dir. by Michael Paul Stephenson
http://www.that-go.net/ (Thunderheist; Jerk It) Winner Jury Prize
dir. by Noel Paul and Stefan Moore
http://vimeo.com/1309452 (Fleet Foxes, White Winter Hymnal) Winner Special Jury Award dir. by Sean Pecknold

I'm off to sip wine with friends who have moved to the west side of LA. I'm sure I'll be twittering and texting as much as I'll be chatting with the peeps. Santa Monica and Venice beaches all the way. xoj