Daily Archives: 03/31/2009

(Community Matters) The answer isn’t that difficult. It’s because most agree that auto manufacturers can’t survive given their current cost structure. This question existed even prior to the current economic crisis.

I say this with a heavy heart for the women & men employed by the manufacturers, their suppliers and all the businesses and communities financed by their economic stream.

As to management, on June 24 I wrote:

On Feb 23 I sold my General Motors stock at $24/share citing Vice Chairman Bob Lutz’s comment that global warming is “a total crock of shit” as a sign that the company was managed by idiots. Today GM closed at $13/share. It’s dropped nearly 50% ytd. So glad he’s a vocal idiot.

President Obama is more optimistic than I am about the ultimate survivorship of all three manufacturers even post-bankruptcy and with federal bailouts. I sincerely hope he and his advisors are correct.

(Community Matters) This sounds like a lot of fun:

April 8 ART+COCKTAILS Kickoff

In the spirit of healthy and creative neighborhood competition, participating 2^ND Street District restaurant bars will compete for the 2009 Best Original Art Cocktail. A portion of proceeds from the competing cocktails sold through April 26 with be donated to Art Alliance Austin. 2^ND Street District bartenders will demonstrate their brand of artistic flair, and everyone participates.

Beginning with a progressive happy hour at 6pm, partygoers will begin judging the Art Cocktail entries as they trek through 2^ND Street District to Taste Select Wines, Mama Fu’s, Yu Sushi, Cru, MaLaga and La Condesa & Malverde. Those who make it to all stops during the kickoff will be entered to win a grand prize of five $50 gift certificates from each participating restaurant.

A panel of cocktail judges will announce its winner during Art City, but the public has until midnight on April 26 to vote for the People’s Choice online. Online voting will begin Friday, April 8, on the 2^ND Street District (www.2ndstreet.com) and Art Alliance Austin (www.artallianceaustin.org) Web sites.

Hat Tip: Margaret Keys