Squeaking for Hugs

“This is Bonnie and Clyde,” said Will Whisennand, who oversees care of the mammals at the Austin Aquarium, as he walked into the otter exhibit. “They squeak when they’re happy. They squeak when they’re sad, when they’re excited, when they’re hungry. They’re always squeaking.”

kut.org – During The Winter Storm, The Austin Aquarium Went Dark And Cold. The Otters Snuggled For Warmth
KUT – During The Winter Storm, The Austin Aquarium Went Dark And Cold. The Otters Snuggled For Warmth – March 5, 2021

@wildlifewill95

Had to keep my babies warm during the power outage…. 🦦 #zookeeper #otter #zoo #aquarium #winterstorm #texas

♬ SugarCrash! – ElyOtto
tiktok.com/wildlifewill

They just want to be held, want to be cuddled, want to be smothered.

Will Whisennand

I haven’t been able to hug friends and family for over a year now. When I finally get to hug them again, I’ll be making noises much like that otter is making in the video. There will probably be tears, too.

texasstandard.org/typewriter-rodeo

The Last Man on Rainey Street

Haunting first person descriptions of the transition from low-income residential to high-priced commercial property. Right here in Austin.

StitcherATXplained – The Last Man On Rainey Street – February 14, 2019

ATXplained.org


The article on KUT’s site is here. The ATXplained podcast page doesn’t do the story justice, from a visual perspective.

“I always feel melancholy when I [think about leaving] this place. This is my home. Not only mine but mine in spirit. Hopefully you’ll understand. I’m saying this because maybe –”

Then the phone line cut out.

KUT – The Families Who Lived On Rainey Street All Left. But One Man Stayed.

June 3, 2019.

“Built in 1910 this is the last remaining residential home on Rainey St. A treasure in time ready to pass this Austin Gem over to the next steward to create their own legacy with a piece of Downtown Austin. These properties rarely go to market and awaiting your next concept, whether it be a Restaurant, Bar, Hotel or Music Venue, the options are endless with the CBD zoning.”

KUT.org – The Last Single Family Home on Rainey Street is For Sale