Monthly Archives: November 2010

(Community Matters) Catching up on emails.  DA/DT repeal still in debate.  Republicans putting up greater resistance to repeal than they indicated prior to elections.  Word had come down from McConnell in the Senate that the caucus could vote their conscience after the elections.

I-lack-any-integrity, former maverick McCain still off his rocker in volume of opposition; though the greater resistance appears again fortified by arguments of process (fairness of offering amendments to the defense authorization act).  Gotta love how the White House, HRC, SDLN and others coming together to move this legislation and repeal over the line. Anyone with direct connections to Senate Majority Leader Reid and to Senators who will speak directly to Reid, pull out all the stops.  This weekend absolutely critical.

Everyone, please call & or write your senators no matter their positions – easy to do by clicking here

(Community Matters) I leave out the apostrophe provocatively.

We blew off much coveted reservations at Kaefer’s in the Reichstag because we wanted much lower key, less fuss, less rich food.  Steven found Guy Restaurant in the guide.  Well can’t say it’s less rich or less fuss (though we sure fussed less getting dressed – thx gosh jeans as ubiquitous in Berlin as in Austin).

Honestly, didn’t think I was so hungry so we decided I’d simply poach tastes off Steven’s chef’s 5-course while having his wine pairings (doesn’t this sound just like us; we could sorta go through life this way – ST subsisting off good food, me off good wine). Though I did order the entre of Brittany lobster with cheek of veal, papaya & hokkaido pumpkin to come out with his main course – omg, the papaya & hokkaido mixture (not to mention the two lobster claws) truly exceptional. A great meal, outstanding restaurant.  I’m debating why not going back again tonight.

btw – coffee & tequila is down by 17!

(Community Matters) Sorry to read of Wayne’s passing.  So pleased to hear he did make it to Costa Rica as were his last wishes.  Wayne was an original Texas character who cared a lot about Austin and contributed a great deal to the preservation of its environment we enjoy today.  Condolences especially to his sons Mark, Eran & Justin and to his mom, Sophie.

(Community Matters) long day of travel and we’ve finally arrived at the Hotel Adlon in Berlin. Wow, such rebuilding – such painting of the Soviet gray in East Berlin – I hardly recognize the city. We’re just here the weekend, then Mannheim through Thursday, then London for a few shows.

(Community Matters) maybe my favorite tv scene ever

Vodpod videos no longer available.

(Community Matters)

Awesomely, the mountain West lives up to its Brokeback reputation, and Canada is orange nearly coast-to-coast. Even in the yellow and blue areas, you can see pockets of gay curiosity in interesting places: Austin, Madison, Asheville. Anywhere soy milk is served, basically.

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(Community Matters) After so many years on the PeopleFund board of directors, this morning I announced my intention to step down during 1Q 2011.  Steven and I are both clearing up space for new initiatives and more free time.  PeopleFund remains extraordinarily important to both of us and we’ll remain supportive.

We’ve recruited a new & exciting Pres/CEO, the new building/community center is up and occupied – feeling good about 12+ years of serving on this board.  I’ll be stepping down from a couple additional community roles in early 2011.

(Community Matters) Following our quest to identify the best gins, Graham Reynolds and I met at La Condessa (home to 80+ tequilas) to identify their best.  Our bartender offered to prepare flights.  As I learned at Peche in September, Graham is as meticulous & knowledgeable about the liquors & wines he likes as he is about musical form.

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(Community Matters)

The Wall Street Journal reporting

Much prefer Metro Weekly’s report

from the White House (7:25pm)  Dan Pfeiffer, White House communications director, said in a statement on Monday evening, “The White House opposes any effort to strip ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ from the National Defense Authorization Act.”

(Community Matters) cute . . .

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(Community Matters) bummed we have to miss.  Our friend’s (Andra Liemandt’s) band – Cover Girls – playing Beauty Bar this Friday

(Community Matters) I never knew how extraordinarily vulnerable we are when logging into a public wi-fi network.  With the 800k+ recent downloads of the snooping software, we’re nearly guaranteed to have our Facebook and Twitter accounts hacked.

see these two articles –

Snooping on Strangers Made Easy

Herding Firesheep