Daily Archives: 08/27/2008

(Community Matters) Congratulations to our dear friend, long time Austin American Statesman restaurant critic, Dale Rice.

Dale is retiring from the AAS and moving to College Station where his partner, Antonio LaPastina teaches, and he’ll teach journalism at Texas A&M. One of the greatest meals we ever enjoyed was a special anniversary dinner Dale & Antonio cooked for Kip Keller & Michael Barnes and that Steven and I were the two lucky extra guests. Plus we’ve enjoyed Dale’s delicacies at the boy’s annual reading weekend.

besos,

(Community Matters) so, the trading gets underway. . . .

Each morning you’re presented with credentials for the day. Today’s package for me & Bo included tickets to a 10am campaign briefing, the 9 to noon celebration of the Biden nomination, access to to Pepsi Sky Grill Lounge and special guest Pepsi Hall passes. Hey, definitely not looking a gift horse in the mouth. Thrilled to have entry, especially to include Bo as a guest. Now, the fun is to trade up access and seating, so start making calls finding who has what extra, securing this and that from some parties, trading for even better seating and lounge access tonight. Have three guardian angles who have gone to work looking for us 🙂

Attending a 2pm DNC LGBT reception. Then, a dear friend is including us in an intimate coffee with New York Governor Patterson this afternoon. This should be cool. Promised no direct fundraising asks. Though, of course, there’s that ambition more long term. Wouldn’t attend if wasn’t a supporter and if I didn’t plan to contribute to his campaign in the future.

Who knows what’ll pop up after and before tonight’s convention. But, there’s no lack of opportunity for the willing.

(Community Matters) Realizing did a better job of updating yesterday at AAS site, so reposting here too. Pardon repeat:

I made it to Pepsi yesterday in time to catch Cecile Richards – such a rock star. Of course, this isn’t news to anyone. I’ve know first hand since serving on her TFN board before she moved to DC. Currently the national president of Planned Parenthood, she combines the powerful, memorable presence of her mama (Gov. Ann) with Vogue-striking good looks.

Despite my best intentions to take it easy early in the day, Brownsville trial attorney Tony Martinez found me in the hotel lobby at breakfast and propelled me with him and Carol through his whirlwind of Tuesday activities. We joined a luncheon honoring former Denver mayor and Secretary Frederico Pena. Then, a reception honoring NLC fundraisers. Bunch of us from Tx texting all day and agreeing to meet at the Pepsi Center and after, especially at Mark Strama’s party. My friend, Bo Smith, arrived from Arkansas. Steve Adler & Diane Land must have arrived at Pepsi as early as I did; they caught Cecile too. Kirk Rudy was making the rounds sporting that nearly all access credential, a floor pass (Amy’s arriving tonight – can’t wait). Lynn & Tommie Meredith and Sarah perched in one of the private boxes. I think Mark Winkelman and his son Chuck were there too. Though, we didn’t catch up at the end of the night as expected. Suspect they dashed off with Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer to celebrate Brian’s out-of-the-ballpark speech on national television. The Governor is a close friend of the Meredith’s who I’ve met over dinner at their house. Greeted Senator Watson on Bertha Means among the Texas delegates.

Hillary Clinton also scored a gold medal for her gracious, exciting and on-point speech. Kudos to Obama campaign for appropriately celebrating her primary and career accomplishments. Felt as if unity in the making. Watched from a super suite/lounge with Alexa & Blaine Wesner. No Julie & John Thornton yet; they’re arriving today.

After, a bunch of us to celebrate Rep. Mark Strama who was being celebrated as a Rising Star at Club 5 Degrees. Completely sold out and packed with Austin buddies including me, Bo, Diane & Steve, Nona Niland, Ann Kitchen, Kirk Rudy, Jan Soifer, Patrick O’Connell, Rick Cofer and evidently Ian Davis, Amy Everhart and some of their crew. They texted me during the event but I couldn’t find ’em

Good gosh, was that really only my first 24 hours?

(Community Matters) pics from last night

members of our Texas delegation on the floor – holding sign: Rick Cofer, Amy Everhart & Ian Davis. Seated just below: Mario Champion, KT Musselman & Matt Glazer

from Tuaca Lounge watching Hillary

Grandmama, Texas delegate Bertha Means

at the Rising Star party honoring State Rep Mark Strama, with Mark & Nona Niland

(Community Matters)
Such a long, fun night I can’t describe it. But, I’ll try with pics tomorrow