Compare & Contrast: Laredo & Austin

When I told folks back in the old country (California) that I was moving to Texas, most people got a hopeful look and asked, "To Austin?"

My answer usually wiped that look right off their face.

It's clear that Austin gets lots of attention from the Coasts. It also gets attention from the SOL crew, most of whom have now spent a weekend or two up there. So for all you coasties, here's a side-by-side comparison of two of Texas's most unique cities.

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Politics

Laredo: Democratic a la Tammany Hall. You're reminded to vote for either Chilo Alaniz for DA or Rick Flores for Sherriff by the bumper of every pickup truck that cuts you off.

Austin: Democratic a la Dennis Kucinich. Lots of Ron Paul bumper stickers thrown in for variety ("The Doctor Will Save You Now").

Major Industries

Austin: Dell Computer, Government, Education, Spinning Conspiracy Theories

Laredo: Trade/Logistics, Law Enforcement, Alien Smuggling, Drug Conspiracies

Famous Residents/Natives

Laredo: Tom DeLay

Austin: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Lance Armstrong

Slogan

Austin: "Keep Austin Weird."

Laredo: none yet. I like JC's. Might I also suggest "Like Mexico, but Occasionally Functional."

Notable Architecture

Laredo: La Bandera Gigante

Austin: mammoth State Capitol

Don't Miss

Austin: Town Lake; 6th Street; restaurants on South Congress; Whole Foods flagship store

Laredo: free parking at airport; seafood buffet Fridays at La Posada

Major Annoyance

Austin: hipsters as far as the eye can see.

Laredo: being in Laredo.

Minor League Hockey

As JC has noted, the Laredo Bucks are kicking butt in the playoffs & headed to the Conference Championships. W-L record: 42-19-3, best in the Southern Conference.

The Austin Ice Bats had a record of 29-33-2 & were eliminated from the playoffs in Round 1. Take that, you damn hippies!

Winner? Too close to call. We'll have to settle this the old-fashioned way.