Monthly Archives: May 2009

(Community Matters) I didn’t know him well, and we had many friends in common. Never heard anyone speak bad of Judge Ozmun – may he rest in peace.

(photo AAS)

(Community Matters) The drive flew by. We stopped for macaroons at Rather Sweet Bakery & Cafe in Fredericksburg (the second best macarrons in the world) and for lunch in Ozona. Otherwise, a direct trip, and I didn’t even mind driving the entire way despite offers from my two travelmates.

Suzanne Deal Booth is hosting 15 friends in Marfa as part of the Friends of Heritage Preservation. The group has funded a preservation project at Chinati.

Kevin Keim and I joined Suzanne and a few early arrivals for dinner at Maiya’s (John, formerly of Adobe BBQ, our waiter and Rachel & Chase Lindley having dinner with her parents) , then drinks at a very cool new Marfa establishment, Padre’s Marfa – a well-stocked bar with the best tequillas, food, a dance floor, outdoor patio, firepits, shuffle board, pool, pinball and great character. St James’ friends might know this place since Father Bill (Miller) is the founding partner (though he’s still in Hawaii).

Between Maiya’s and Padre’s, Suzanne & I snuck over to Cochineal to say hi to friends. Everyone having dinner there tonight, though Kevin and I with owners Tom & Tochi rather than with the large group. We found Fairfax Dorn who then joined us at Padre’s.

There are six-early bird arrivals, the others flying in today – including Suzanne’s hubby, David. Spent most of my time last night talking with Peter & Sue Cooper. What a fabulous, Kiwi couple, and talk about a small world! Sue knew my first lover, Alan Waite in Auckland. Peter was describing an extraordinary downtown Auckland development and his plans to integrate art and technology – wow, this conversation won’t quit following me! Also, he’s quite interested in social entrepreneurship in university curriculum in his role as a Georgetown University trustee – much to discuss.

Dean Ma traveling with the group, USC’s Dean of the School of Architecture. Very interested to hear more about his project in Mangolia.

Of course coffee at Jessie & Dan Browning’s Farma Coffee this am – such a treat seeing Jessie again. The FOHP group off touring Judd Foundation properties now. We have a lecture/lunch at Austin Street Cafe, then this evening Julie Speed hosting a reception in her studio, the premier of two short films at the Crowley Theatre, then dinner at Cochineal.

I’m lounging in the Paisano’s lobby this morning – no wifi at the house. Have confirmed my holds on all the suites and the four corner rooms that share the large balaconies over the courtyard for Dec 30 – Jan 1. Friends coming to our New Year’s party this year should let me know which of these rooms they want – first come, first served.

I miss Steven and would love to be in London seeing Punchdrunk’s newest production. And, Marfa is exactly where I need to be today and this weekend – feels great.

(Community Matters) Social Media: The Five-Year Forecast by Jeremiah Owyang of Forrester Research

The distinction between traditional and innovative marketing will become significantly more pronounced as the socially driven online communities continue to gain momentum, according to a Forrester Research report released today. “The Future of the Social Web,” by Jeremiah Owyang, a Forrester senior analyst, examines the monumental changes that have shaped — and will continue to impact — how consumers engage with each other. That engagement, Owyang writes, will affect the way each company reaches its customers — and more important, their influencers.

“The community will take charge,” Owyang tells CRM magazine in a one-on-one interview, “and that’s going to happen whether or not marketers or brands participate.” Social networking, he adds, will only continue to facilitate the power shift toward the consumer.

The report breaks down the past, present, and future state of the social Web into five overlapping eras:

1. The era of social relationships: Beginning in the mid-1990s, people signed up for online profiles and connected with their friends to share information.
   
2. The era of social functionality: As it exists today, social networking is more than just a platform for “friending,” but one that can support a broader array of what Owyang calls “social interactive applications.” However, identities are essentially disconnected silos within individual sites. [emphasis added]

3. The era of social colonization: By late 2009, technologies such as OpenID and Facebook Connect will begin to break down the barriers of social networks and allow individuals to integrate their social connections as part of their online experience, blurring the lines between networks and traditional sites.

4. The era of social context: In 2010, sites will begin to recognize personal identities and social relationships to deliver customized online experiences. Social networks will become the “base of operation for everyone’s online experiences.”
   
   
5. The era of social commerce: In approximately two years, social networks will be more powerful than corporate Web sites and CRM systems, as individual identities and relationships are built on this platform. Brands will serve community interests and grow based on community advocacy as users continue to drive innovation in this direction

ok, I get that we exist in disconnected, personal silos within social media sites today. Though, not sure I understand what means that “individuals to integrate their social connections as part of their online experience, blurring the lines between networks and traditional sites.” I need an example of how this could be different from what we have today.

(Community Matters) Steven’s obviously arrived in London.

in line for Punchdrunk. I can hardly stand not being there

(Community Matters) Sixth state to legalize gay marriage – Mass, CA, Iowa, Vermont, Conn and now Maine. Of course, CA was overturned by referendum, though CA’s supreme court is deciding if a majority can rightfully discriminate against a minority (I’m not sure I even get why we even have to deliberate on this question – of course not). New Hampshire’s legislature has also passed the bill; it’s governor is deciding how to proceed.

(Community Matters) Promise to post more and pics from Marfa for which Suzanne Deal Booth, Kevin Keim and I take off this am.

Steven headed to London on business. Can’t believe he’ll get to see a Punchdrunk without me. I’d pop over next weekend but busy, busy Entrepreneurs Foundation day on Friday – 28 companies and 350 descending on Andrews Elementary to transform the school physically and make their kids’ & teachers’ day.

oh yeah, and I really like this picture with Valerie Jarrett – one of my new heros

(Community Matters) Might have a chance to post later today. Relaunching into EF books, cash flows and projections in time for meeting this afternoon, in preparation for next week’s board meeting.

Celebrated Cinco de Mayo last night over dinner with Steven and the Siegels (Alex, Matt, Lauren & Phil) at Julio’s.

Not sure exactly what transpired with Senate committee seniority and Specter. Don’t blame Ds for being mad – his comments about Al Franken/Norman Coleman & filibusters – and, we need him to vote with us most of the time.

I’m mad at Leffingwell campaign for playing same old tricks making allegations against Brewster’s campaign re: campaign financing. Brewster’s accepted monies (not spent, still held) from out of towners which can be used only for a runoff – which, by the way, most polls project as certain. As Lee’s campaign did in their final hours against Jason Meeker, they publicly allege finance discrepancies knowing full well this is an accepted practice and allowed.

(Community Matters) I like Christopher Hayes’ thoughts on Specter here.

btw, Christopher is the brother of Texas OFA statewide director, Luke Hayes
AAS story on Luke

(Community Matters) It’s Tuesday, we’re almost back home. Terrific 36 hours in DC, celebrating our anniversary and an early Cinco de Mayo. Dinner last night with Tony & Carli Martinez, Norma Garza, Adrienne Donato and Wyeth Wiedeman. Busy next 48 hours before Steven leaves for London and me for Marfa.

Posted from my blackberry

(Community Matters) If their grievances are authentic, they’ll rise in protest to this.

Imagining Gov Perry will probably lead the troops, right?

(Community Matters) I was speculating two days ago about the shenanigans we might see from Lee Leffingwell’s political operatives. This time they aren’t even being original – citing campaign finance infractions when there have been none (money for runoff is being held, not spent).

This comment on Austin American Statesman site sorta says it all:

Last election Leffingwell accused Meeker of breaking ethics rules in at the last minute and said he filed a complaint — which he never did. This is a typical back-room slash and burn political shot by Leffingwell’s hitmen. And from the story, it looks like McCracken disclosed everything.

(Community Matters) Over 2,500 in Austin today. nice coverage here

photo AAS (Rodolfo Gonzalez)

Good gosh, we actually did it. Major kudos to the programs underwriter & promoter, Trilogy and Joe & Andra Liemandt – and certainly also to Marion Cimbala and Leigh Christie who organized on behalf of the Entrepreneurs Foundation and John Egan for Elizabeth Christian & Associates. Sponsors include: RunTex, VCFO, Communicard, Acton Foundation for Entrepreneurial Excellence, Blue Plate Design, California Pizza Kitchen and The Gap.

With 2.5 months runway, we feel great about first year registrations – we won’t have $ figures for a couple of weeks as they submit information.

Prepare4Life.org and Michael Holthouse launched this program in Houston two years ago. Many thanks and congratulations all.