I didn't go to MoJo's very often but it's still annoying to read that it's closing down. It was one of those Austin places that needed to exist for Austin to cling to its weird, creative, non-corporate, slacker reputation even if it didn't fit into my middle-aged needs. It was good to know it was there. Except it won't be from next month. The drag isn't really the drag anymore. Even in my short time in Austin it's changed considerably and is turning into a sprawling knickknack store for UT parents to buy burnt orange souvenirs when they drop their precious Chad or Jenna off. I think Eclectic Eyeware, Veggie Heaven and Jamba Juice are the only places along that part of Guadalupe I've been into during the last year. Even the drag rats are a pale, grubby shadow of what they used to be.

The wretched thing is that although rents have gone up horribly it hasn't even become gentrified and prosperous. I can accept progress but that isn't what's happening. It used to be tatty, alive and fun but now it's just tatty.

Still, there's that new Starbucks at the Pecan Plaza and yet another Sprint franchise next door. That's all the kids need these days, right?