Julien 2.0

We are pleased to announce the upcoming release of Julien 2.0. This new version promises to improve on previous versions (Julien 1.0, code named "Tim" and Julien 1.1, code named "Christine"). You should expect the new release to (most importantly) be much cuter than previous releases. We hope that existing Julien plug-in packages ("Hannah" and "Casey") will work seamlessly with Julien 2.0. We do warn our frequent users that the first few months after the release are expected to be, well, messy, as Julien 2.0 is not expected to have the complete, mature capabilities of previous versions upon initial release.

The new release can be expected near the middle of the second quarter of 2007. To pique your interest, we're glad to be able to deliver an early screen shot:

As Julien 2.0 matures towards the release date over the next several months, we expect that certain features will be able to be shown more clearly and will update our announcements accordingly.

Dogs and Babies

Last night we had some friends over for dinner. One couple has a seven month old baby, and we've always kept the pups outside when they've been over. But last night they had their first test... which they passed. I'd like to say with flying colors, but alas, there was a barking incident (at someone walking down the other side of the street), and that scared the baby a bit. But other than that, the baby liked the dogs, the dogs were interested, but not beyond letting her pet them (as much as a 7 month old can pet dogs), and licking her toes and fingers. We caught some of the action at the dinner table:

A Visit from Lucky...

Two weeks ago (it always seems that my posts are about things long past...) our friend Lucky came to visit from California. He ostensibly came for an interview, but we knew he just couldn't take any more time without seeing us, so he didn't have to set up the pretend interview...

We had a pretty standard Austin weekend (or what Tim and I like to pretend is a standard Austin weekend, though in truth we mostly sit at home...). We went to Guero's Taco Bar to eat dinner (Tim loves this place, I think it's OK, but we always have to wait forever) then the boys got some draft Paulaner at the Ginger Man. Sure, we know it's a chain, but the beer selection (for one who likes beer) is apparently impressive. We're getting old, though, and called it an early night that night (after running into one of my students at the bar).

The next day, we had a quick bite to eat at Jo's Coffee:

then wandered around the South Congress neighborhood. We took Lucky to a very goofy store called Monkey See Monkey Do!, which was simply fun. Then we met James and Laura and a friend of theirs at our favorite Italian spot in town, Asti. It's not quite Italy, but it's the closest we've found in town.

After dinner we all headed to the Elephant Room for some flamenco guitar:


We had a good time with Lucky visiting...we only hope he likes Austin half as much as we do and wants to join the small group of friends we're gradually pulling towards the Lone Star State.