(Community Matters) WSJ article

We asked six experts which 10 cities will emerge as the hottest, hippest destinations for highly mobile, educated workers in their 20s when the U.S. economy gets moving again. Our panelists—demographers, economists, geographers and authors on urban issues—picked their cities based on the criteria they deem most important, from economic diversity to lifestyle.

Right now Washington is a magnet. It has become the new New York

(Community Matters) Former city councilmember Raul Alvarez is running for County Commissioner, Pct 4. No word yet if Commissioner Margaret Gomez intends to run for reelection.

(Community Matters) Reading Maureen Dowd’s column on William Safire, it’s hard not to like the fellow. And, it is certainly inspiring toward maintaining civility and class, no matter the political volume.

Only hit people when they’re up

(Community Matters) James Huffines is pretty amazing. Just reading that he’s agreed to chair the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce in 2011. He currently serves as chairman of the University of Texas board of regents. And, he has a day job. James and his wife, Patty, are extraordinary in the time and effort they dedicate to community.

(Community Matters) Such a tough issue – NYT article here.

We desperately need immigration reform. It is certainly a much more complicated story than rhetoric provides – Immigration Stories, From Shadows to Spotlight

(Community Matters) Who knows if Gov Perry’s web broadcast was hacked or badly managed. If we look at how competently his administration has handled state service privatization, border cameras or governance at universities . . . or Texas’ place among all 50 states in high school graduation, teen pregnancy, health insurance coverage . . .

I do acknowledge job growth in our state. And, this feels like Wall Street profits to me – maximizing short term results with disastrous long term implications.

(Community Matters) So, Steven and I have this running debate – I’ve explained to him since we met how I’ve always seen myself as a proxy for what’s normal, regular behavior. He disputes this. Though, I assert that since he is so idiosyncratic, he might simply be too far from the average to judge.

This afternoon, I mentioned this to Habitat for Humanity’s Michael Willard and was afraid he might bust a gut, he laughed so hard. hmm, could I be mistaken?

Steven contends that my top 3 idiosyncrasies are:

1. I laugh when things get too serious

2. I’m neurotic about people being on time & listening attentively – but I do blackberry while listening to others
3. I adopt a demanding and aggressive posture with folks I like in order to coach them about something I think matters.

I remain unconvinced

(Community Matters)

(Community Matters) Cameron Lockley (an adopted godson) is purchasing a new townhome in Mueller and looking for a roommate – sounds like a deal at $600 all bills paid & furnished, especially since he’s an extraordinary cook. his unit on the left. info – dallasaficion AT hotmail DOT com

(Community Matters) Enjoyed a quite dinner with LA-based artist George Stoll and American bass guitarist, Kathy Valentine at Suzanne Deal Booth’s tonight, along with Chandler.

I especially liked George’s thoughts on 3 most influential 20th century artists and the name of Kathy’s recording studio, “Bass Mint”

(Community Matters) I don’t know the rhyme or reason behind their pricing, but so glad this instance actually worked in my favor. Late last week, notice of DNC meetings in DC on 10/24 and 25. On Saturday, I nearly booked my flight but wanted one last chance to convince ST to join me - alas, we’re going for the March for Equality and the National HRC dinner on 10/9 – 10/12 but he can’t make it back again. Anyhow, instead of paying $400 roundtrip as was best price on Saturday, today I went to book same day flights on same airline and price down to $194.

(Community Matters) began at sundown yesterday, through sundown this evening

(Community Matters) Nice article on the work of our dearest friend, Dr. Leslie Jarmon

(Community Matters)

Sinton’s San Patricio County Courthouse

Tim, the tine man

Ray, was selling this goat ($60, 8mos old & ready to breed) & the chickens

Kenedy, Tx
3,487 people, 1,266 households, and 907 families
Hispanic or Latino 65% of the population
named for Mifflin Kenedy, who bought acres and wanted to develop a new town that would carry his name. In the early 1900s many of Kenedy’s gunfighter’s shooting caused the town to be nicknamed “Six Shooter Junction.”

Christ United Methodist Church (Stockdale)

Tiny Texas Houses
I toured the houses on site with Tim

I’d planned to buy at City Market in Luling but it and Kreutz & Smitty’s (Lockhart) closed on Sunday – well Smitty’s closed at 3pm

I’ve long admired this house on hwy 183, between Lockhart and Austin

(Community Matters) Planning my route home today, realizing I can pick up dinner and maybe even a back house along the way. Not really the latter but something tells me there is one in our future.

Luling, Tx – Luling City Market for great BBQ and Tiny Texas Houses