Monthly Archives: May 2010

(Community Matters) Stefano Aluffi is an old friend of Suzanne’s and obviously knows everyone in the art world and social scene in Rome.  My right-side dinner companion Wednesday night whispered that he’s really a count (she’s actually a princess).

Stefano (at center in picture) hosted a very small group of American Academy supporters in his home for lunch yesterday.

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(Community Matters) Perfect timing in so many ways – joined Suzanne and her American Academy group for today’s opening of MAXXI, Rome’s new National Museum for 21st Century Art. It opened to the press this morning (we were given credentials) and I imagine opened to the public later today.

Zaha Hadid designed this museum as an open and liveable urban space devoted to contemporary creativity, art & architecture.

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(Community Matters) Started the morning at the home of the Leopardi Dittajuti family, viewing the private, contemporary collection and tasting some the family’s Conte Leopardi Dittajuti wine.

(Community Matters) Flew up to join Suzanne Deal Booth at the American Academy in Rome’s trustee festivities, including their annual gala, the McKim Medal Gala. Miuccia Prada received this year’s award.

Miuccia Prada, pardon my unsteady hand; she is lovely

w/ Suzanne

The event was held at their annex property overlooking the original Academy which is just as luscious an oasis at the top of Trastevere

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(Community Matters) today in Rome – good gosh I’ve missed it. Sorry Steven in Frankfurt instead. More about it tomorrow

(Community Matters) Such great news waking up to today, that the White House and Congress have decided to push forward with repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – in fact, hearing even more than just repealing but outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation (this will prevent its reinstatement at a later date).  Tongues a wagging about what changed or if changed – the White House appeared to have backed off its earlier promise to repeal by year’s end.

Funny, on the boat last night, a friend’s mom was mad at Pres Obama for not yet enacting full equality for gays & lesbians.  The friend and I told her we weren’t mad, we know what’s in his heart, that he opposes all discrimination based on sexual orientation and that it wasn’t if, simply when.  Plus that more gays and lesbians were impacted by a healthy economy and health care than by military service and marriage combined – don’t get me wrong – I want it all, every single right offered to every other American. Very please that under Pres Obama we’ve made progress in equality re: hate crimes, federal non-discrimination (outside what held up by DOMA), State Department/Foreign Service spousal benefits, HUD, HHSA and repeal of HIV travelers ban.

Does Senator Levin have the votes?  He wouldn’t be going forward it he didn’t – ditto Congressman Murphy.  A large majority of Americans support lifting the ban – Democrats and Republicans.

(Community Matters) Jill, Stephen Y, Tana, Charles & I met Daniel & his mom for a Bateaux Mouches ride up and down the Siene.  Regrettably Steven T down for the count; he picked up the 3 day bug I had.  Having battled big fever late yesterday, he’s now up and about this morning, looking 80 – 85%.

(Community Matters) Le Jules Verne is the Alain Ducasse restaurant quite high in the Eiffel Tower (there’s another restaurant on the “2nd” floor) – quite exquisite.  Our Gang of Six loved, loved, loved the food, wine, atmosphere and experience.

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(Community Matters) Ambassador Rivkin grew up the son of a US ambassador and lived in France many times prior to this post.  He was CEO of the Jim Henson Company before his unanimous confirmation as President Obama’s ambassador to France. His chief of staff, Daniel Dozier, is a friend and gave us a tour of the residence this morning.

Baroness de Pontalba, Micaela Leonarda Almonester, a privileged Spaniard who lived in New Orleans, built the current residence and then sold it to Baron Edmond de Rothschild who added its two wings.

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(Community Matters) as guests of Charles, the Gang of Six attended Jose Montalvo’s & Dominique Hervieu’s new piece, Orpheus, at the Theatre National de Chaillot, a wonderfully imperial/deco dance theatre below Tracadero.

The piece was beyond stunning; Charles immediately signed up to bring it to the states.  If the timing is right, we’d love Ron Berry to consider presenting it as part of FuseBox Festival – it’s a big show which requires a big stage, perhaps in partnership with the Long or Texas PAC.

They’ve created visual, fantastical worlds for the myth of Orpheus’ tragic voyage.

(Community Matters) Some issues don’t bring out my best side.  My earlier comments about Mark McKinnon – well, less than the standards of discourse to which I usually hold myself.  We’ve met several times and have many mutual (some quite close) friends.  He’s a nice guy.  I certainly don’t wish him ill.  I do become irrationally defensive when those of 43s inner tribe relaunch their revisionist history detrimentally toward Pres Obama and frankly, again detrimentally against our country.

I don’t believe the folks I know and have a relationship with who are tea party supporters are racists.  I don’t believe all tea party supporters are racists, probably not even half.  Continue reading →