(Community Matters) I love reading that Pres Obama is meeting with Chinese students in Shanghai. Gotta admit, I miss our yearly MBA trips to collaborate with students at Jiao Tong University in Shanghai.  As reading the news stories, reminded what several told me (especially several former US students who have repatriated), “you join the communist party, that’s just what you do – doesn’t mean a thing.  Your real affiliation and loyalty is to capitalism.”

I’m not a fatalist re: America’s cultural and economic leadership, and I think David Brooks makes good points in today’s NYT column.

I have a great deal of affection for China and its people.  I don’t see their cultural and economic rise as threatening.  Our world is well served by strong nations.  Just as our country is better served by two strong political parties, our world is probably better served by two super powers.

(Community Matters) Congratulations Zella, I hear your daddy just defended his dissertation and now he’s a doctor, Dr. Stephen Walls.

(Community Matters) Though never one to sleep 8 hours - used to be 4 – 5, now sometimes 5 – 6 hours - sleep comes a little harder when I’m worried about friends.  One in the hospital last night, overnight observations for pains in arms (of course checking out heart).  Today headed to MD Anderson for test results of another.  I suppose at some age, one cannot let these sort of turns disrupt your sleep or days; however, there are intimacy circles where it just does.

(Community Matters) So wish we could attend this fundraiser for Katie Pearl’s and Lisa D’Amour’s new company.  Sure wish some of our friends in NYC would attend on our behalf

You are invited to Brunch with
Nancy Pearl
Librarian, Action Figure, and Book Recommender to the World!

Saturday November 21st 11-1:30pm
At the Packer Collegiate Institute, Brooklyn Heights, NY

To benefit the upcoming production of
TERRIBLE THINGS
A new performance by Katie Pearl (Nancy’s daughter!) and Lisa D’Amour
Premiering 12/4-12/20 at Performance Space 122, NYC

When you join us, you will:

Feast on local eats, coffee and cocktails
Indulge in book lust and conversation with Nancy Pearl
Luxuriate in the Cathedral-esque wonderland of the historic Packer School

SNEAK-A-PEAK at Nancy’s OBIE Award-winning daughter’s new performance, featuring stories from Nancy’s pre-action figure life!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE:http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/87806

(Community Matters) Ambassador Lyndon Olson on builders vs haters . . .

The Ambassador was honored by the Center for Public Policy Priorities last week.  This is his speech on The Case for Civility – posted on the Texas Tribune

I absolutely agree with Lyndon about the need for civility, though I don’t know I agree that people were more civil in our past.  Could it be that we were more insular?  I mean, minorities and Jews weren’t even allowed into the country clubs.  Women weren’t allowed into some of the same chambers.  And, didn’t legislators break into fist fights on the house floor?  Perhaps it was easier to be more civil during times of segregation and when local sheriffs could pretty much declare what was and wasn’t free speech.  Weren’t a bunch of kids mowed down for disagreeing at Kent State University?  Again, I don’t know the answer but just have these questions.  Either way, I agree with the need for more civility in public discourse.

(Community Matters) I really like this “Letter to Michelle Obama” from the Ann Richards School.

I don’t think she’s seen it but gotta send it on.  Can’t imagine she wouldn’t love it too

(Community Matters) AARO (Austin Area Research Organization) annual meeting and retreat today.  Congrats to Martha Smiley our incoming chair, Allyson Peerman our chair-elect, Lynn Sherman, treasurer and Clarke Heidrick, our immediate past chair.  I’m a new member.

Interesting conversations about transportation in Central Texas.