🌱 New TV Series + ERCOT + Tech Jobs + Eastciders + Winter Tips

Gabriela Couvillion
Updated ·5 min read

Up and at 'em, Austin! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here's what's going on around town today.

First, today's weather:

A touch of rain. High: 37 Low: 25.

Here are the top stories today in Austin:

  1. Filmmaker Charlie Matthau, who recently "acquired the Hillary Manton Lodge novel 'Jane of Austin: A Novel of Sweet Tea and Sensibility,'" is developing and producing it as a TV series. The novel "is a reworking of 'Sense and Sensibility,' but set in modern Austin," and the story "follows sisters Jane (19) and Celia (28) who find themselves forced out of their San Francisco tea shop just a few years after their father’s business scandal shatters their lives." They move to Austin to start over but soon realize that "life in Austin isn’t all sweet tea and breakfast tacos," but it's actually pretty challenging. Matthau said, “'Jane of Austin' is one of the most charming books I have read in ages... the three sisters are very warm and engaging characters that one could spend years with, and the Austin, Texas backdrop makes for a unique and timely setting.” Read more about it by visiting: (Deadline)

  2. On Tuesday, Jan. 18, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) "filed its final winter weatherization readiness report of the season with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC)" which showed that "321 out of 324 electric generation units and transmission facilities fully passed inspection for new winterization regulations from the PUC." Brad Jones, interim ERCOT CEO, said, “The Texas electric grid is more prepared for winter operations than ever before." Three resources "which represent approximately 0.4 percent of the total ERCOT generation fleet" need to be reviewed further, however, they are still operational. have been identified for further review but remain operational. Woody Rickerson, ERCOT vice president of System Planning and Weatherization, said, “We are confident these 321 inspected facilities either meet or go beyond the new requirements from the Commission and we will continue to work with the other three facilities to ensure they correct remaining deficiencies." For more information, visit: (KWTX)

  3. The city of Austin "continues to grow rapidly in part because of its competitive tech job market" with a vast number of jobs "at companies and startups related to cybersecurity, space technology, and digital media technology." These jobs "can help you build and afford a life in a city with a vibrant nightlife, great food, and unique community!" For more information about local tech jobs, "including what industries they can be found in, how the pay and benefits measure up, and what other advantages these jobs can offer you," visit: (ZDNet)

  4. Austin Eastciders recently launched a "Light Cider line" of adult beverages with "less sugar, less carbs and real fruit juice," and only 100 calories per serving! "Each flavor starts with the fermentation of apple juice and is then blended with real fruit juice" and the Texas Cidery's four new flavors include Mango Mimosa, Cucumber Agave, Strawberry Lemonade and Texas Brut. Dave Rule, SVP of marketing at Austin Eastciders, said, “We’re excited for people to discover the elevated flavor experience of our new Austin Eastciders Light Cider line-up." For more information, visit: (Brewbound.com)

  5. Although Central Texas is "not anticipating a widespread, crippling winter storm like last year," it's still important to prepare for cold weather by following these tips. "Storm prep kit with a plan" about what you and your family will do in case the power goes out. "Have an extra portable phone charger on hand" in case your cell phone becomes uncharged. "Keep the thermostat at 68 degrees if you can" to prevent rolling outages or more outages in your neighborhood. "Sign up for Outage Alerts with Austin Energy" to find out about outages and safety precautions. "Watch for downed power lines" and don't go near them but report them to 311, and immediately call 911 if you see sparks. For more safety tips and information, visit: (KXAN.com)

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Today in Austin:

  • Virtual Cardio & Strength Free Online Classes Sponsored by Stronger Austin. (6:30 a.m.)

  • Donate Blood and Get a Free Small Sub from Thundercloud at We Are Blood. (8 a.m.)

  • Reskill: Think Like a Software Engineer Online Event. (11 a.m.)

  • COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at Navarro Early College High School. (4 p.m.)

  • Owning the Darkness at 3r Eye Meditation Lounge and Elixir Bar. (6 p.m.)

  • Muzi - Interblaktic North American Tour at Empire Control Room and Garage. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • "Solid start to the spring, Malaika Rapolu of Texas Women's Tennis, #HookEm!" (Facebook)

  • "Next Tuesday is Happy Half-Price Tuesday at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum! Join us every Tuesday for half-priced admission into the LBJ Presidential Library. Tickets must be purchased online at online at lbjlibrary.org or bit.ly/HalfPriceLBJ. Tickets are made available for purchase 21 days in advance." (Facebook)

  • "Beautiful luxury apartment off McKinney Falls and William Cannon available for sublet on Tuesday, Feb. 1 but flexible after Monday, Jan. 24. " (Join: Nextdoor)

  • "Welding services located in the Royal Palms area! For questions, text or call 512-770-2570." (Join: Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Gabriela Couvillion

About me: I'm an active mom of two grown sons and lifelong San Antonio resident. I received a BA in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and in my free time I immerse myself in creative writing. Thanks for reading Patch, and feel free to reach out if you have any news and happenings you think may appeal to our readers!

This article originally appeared on the Austin Patch