Daily Archives: 05/18/2009

(Community Matters) I’ve been mad at Andrew Sullivan and haven’t been reading his The Daily Dish blog for a few weeks (don’t even ask). Alas, while catching up on a few days blogging, I like his take on Pres Obama’s appointment of Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman as ambassador to China.  here 

(Community Matters) Andrew Tobias and Tom Petrillo have released details of the 10th Annual LGBT Leadership Council Dinner (DNC). I’ve agreed to serve on the DNC’s National Finance Committee as well as the LGBT Leadership Council and regret that we’ll be on vacation and unable to attend the June 25 event in Washington DC.

Terrific confirmation of political leadership attending, including Vice President Biden, House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank, Rep. Tammy Baldwin, Rep. Jared Polis, Chairman Howard Dean, Governor Tim Kaine, Council co-chairs Laura Rickets & Paul Horning, Victory Fund ED Chuck Wolfe, Lawrence v. Texas champion Paul Smith, former Clinton confidant & blogger David Mixner, Empire State Pride executive Alan Van Capelle, Gay/Lesbian Task Force ED Rea Carey, MassEquality campaign director Marty Rouse, SLDN co-founder/ED Dixon Osburn, columnist Richard Socarides, former major league baseballer Billy Bean and NH Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley.

We’re hoping others from Austin will attend and I’ve sent out the information in an email this morning. Since we can’t be there, we’re offering a $1,000 scholarship to an LGBT activist from Austin who’d like to attend this event. The scholarship will cover the cost of attendance at the dinner. If interested, please send me an email.

(Community Matters) Still the goal line. Pres. Obama meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today. Time Magazine has outlined the six issues that divide the two men and notes that they need each other – and that the real win is still peace.

I’m enlightened by a dear friend’s perspective that America needs to be a tough friend to Israel. This Jewish friend (quite involved nationally) cites GW Bush’s position of nearly always agreeing with Israel’s government and how security & quality of life for Israelis and Palestinians deteriorated significantly under this friendship.

(Community Matters) Wow, surprised to read of controversy about David & Suzanne Booth’s development of their homestead on the 55 acres on Bull Creek and Lake Austin. I’m sure the courtyard residents are trying to be good stewards. Wish they knew David & Suzanne and how much time & money they are putting into ensuring the most ecological stewardship of this property. They have a very long & impressive track record of preservation and philanthropy. Unreasonable of the Courtyard residents to want no visibility of development. Good gosh, the Booths have even engaged David Braun (formerly of the Texas Nature Conservancy and Nona Niland’s dear friend) to advise on protecting the land & wildlife. Extraordinary to me that there’d be opposition when they are protecting 55 acres from dense development. Sometimes we just can’t help ourselves – another example of no good deed going unpunished.

(Community Matters) At our St. James’ Connections dinner last night, everyone was discussing President Obama’s Norte Dame commencement speech – his inclusiveness, his articulateness, the inspiration he continues to provide.

I’m inspired to find our similarities rather than only focusing on our differences and to watch my language so that I show respect.

I suppose other presidents have made other Americans feel similarly proud and inspired. Perhaps it’s just been too long since. Kirk Rudy is good about keeping the high road and reminding me that President Obama wants us to speak & act above partisanship. I need to be reminded from time to time, nevertheless, little by little . . . .

(Community Matters) well . . . now I’m excited.

Steven’s working in China for a week next month and wanted me to join him for a weekend in Hong Kong. hmm, it’s kinda far for a weekend, but after being apart for 10 days, I’m looking at it as making the next (well, not next but one of the next) separation only 7 days rather than 10. And, we’ll fly back together – real quality time for us (travel by any means – no wifi, lots of talk, seated next to each other the entire way).

Plus, Hong Kong is one of my favorite places in the world, and Steven’s never been there. I’m looking forward to showing him all around, and we’ll both experience Shek O for the first time. Now the question is The Pennisula or The Ice House – two very different hotels and different experiences – the former the greatest hotel in the world & on Kowloon, the latter a favorite apart-hotel at mid-level on Hong Kong Island in Lan Kwai Fong.

(Community Matters) . . . a few days early. Dad will be 74 on Tuesday, but we surprised him by all converging on their place in Sealy this weekend – my sister and brother-in-law from Florida. Brother and sister-in-law from Houston, but they are at the farm most weekends anyhow – with their adorable two children. My cousins Lulu and Mike Abbott and three of their grandchildren plus an aunt and uncle.

Steven didn’t return from London until late last night, so we missed the big dinner but joined all for a scrumptious breakfast this am.

Brian, Eli (jr) & Dad

Caroline, Paulina, Harrison & Allison
Caroline & Harrison the children of Remi & Shannon Ratliff; Allison of Lance Wright

Shannon & Remi in Houston for the weekend at Teddy Adam’s wedding. Congrats Teddy!

Steven learning to play guitar hero (Wii) with Eli

(Community Matters) My husband is too sweet.

http://robo.to/stetotex