Monthly Archives: April 2011

(Community Matters) prep for my transfer to the McKittrick Hotel this evening

(Community Matters) Wild prairie fires have consumed over 50 homes and knocked out utilities in Ft Davis – down to but not including Marfa. I’m eager to see the damage and figure out what type, if any help our neighbors need. Very proud of our staff at Marfa Public Radio who continue to serve as the major source of news in the region – live streaming most of the time since power was cut to our broadcasting tower (wouldn’t you know it; the back up generator is being installed at the remote, mountain tower later this month).

updates: late yesterday back on the air

Austin American Statesman story

(Community Matters) The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures – saw last night at Public Theatre with my friend Andy Tobias. It “explores revolution, radicalism, marriage, sex, prostitution, politics, real estate, unions of all kinds and debts both unpaid and unpayable.” It’s not really a “gay play”, but I like that homophobes are likely to deny themselves the pleasure of seeing it.

It’s big – layered, whipsaws, sophisticated, emotionally violent and lost me (you know, those 90 second places where one’s mind wonders) very few times during what turns out to be three long acts (though you don’t realize it; okay, maybe in the third act I realized it, but that passed; the play ended strong). Straight out of the gate, the dialogue blew me away – later, the parallel dialogue is so well written I could almost keep up with four conversations (ode to a great director & actors as well as a brilliant playwright). The layered topics are timely, even if the rest of us didn’t see the Wisconsin style GOP dismantling of unions forthcoming. Kushner pulls no punches of how we brought much of this on ourselves.

I want to see this again. Like Steven’s plays, I know if I saw it 16 times, I’d see something new each time (no, I wouldn’t/couldn’t see a near 4 hr play 16 times, maybe 3 or 4). Beyond outstanding direction and actors. Public acknowledgments to American playwrights O’Neil, Miller & Williams – even design of the play’s title.

Like Stoppard, Kushner (best know for Angels In America and the screenplay of Spielberg’s Munich) continues to earn distinction as one of the living great, to be included in the canons.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

(Community Matters) Super evening last night as guests of Tana & Joe Christie. Michael Mitchell, Steven and I joined them for Jonathan Dove’s The Flight performed by Austin Lyric Opera – quite entertaining, whimsical and fun.

Jonathan & Michael

(Community Matters) someone called  Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) out on his official remarks from the floor of the Senate that abortion was “well over 90 percent of what Planned Parenthood does.”

When confronted with the truth (that abortion represents only 3% of what Planned Parenthood does and that no abortions are funded with taxpayer monies) his office released the following statement: ‘his remark was not intended to be a factual statement, but rather to illustrate that Planned Parenthood, an organization that receives millions of dollars in taxpayer funding, does subsidize abortions.’

so, he knowingly lies while giving official statements and isn’t even embarrassed about it

Hat Tip: Jason Linkins

(Community Matters) National Organization for Marriage founder Maggie Gallagher challenges Dan Savage’s knowledge to advise college students on sexual ethics. He responds:

“I do not intend to ‘educate your college students,’ Maggie. Your college students—the offspring of NOM supporters—are being ‘educated’ at Brigham Young, Liberty University, Bob Jones, Seattle Pacific University, and other Christianist madrassas. My college tours typically take me to secular institutions of higher learning where the kids were hooking up and having sex long before my visit to campus.

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(Community Matters) The American Family Association asked its members why gays are so culturally powerful

What’s the major factor that allows homosexuals – a tiny fraction of the whole population – to dictate major changes in cultural morality?
Money – 15.54%
Half truths – 7.89%
Intimidation – 32.04%
Satan is on their side – 44.53%

8412 responses
Hat Tip: Joe.My.God

(Community Matters) thx gosh the courts protect rights of the minority from tyranny of the majority

(Community Matters) Marcia Levy is the I Live Here, I Give Here featured philanthropist. I’ve worked a lot with Marcia – she’s dogged, tireless and a dear friend. Well deserved recognition.

(Community Matters) #17 on Forbes Midas List

Arrived in Silicon Valley from Texas five years ago a “washed up corporate executive” who couldn’t land a partner gig on Sand Hill Road.. . .

(Community Matters) As much as I’d love to be in the company of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Leonardo da Vinci . . . . I too often nap so will have to settle for Winston Churchill and Thomas Edison 🙂

Wall Street Journal on Short Sleepers

Hat Tip: Stephen Walls

(Community Matters) Steven and I are in NY and will attend tonight’s Point Foundation Gala as guests of Mitch Draizin and Philippe Brugere-Trelat along with Charles Myers, Braydon McCarthy and Andy Tobias.

Mission: “Point Foundation provides financial support, mentoring, leadership training and hope to meritorious students who are marginalized due to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.”

“Our Point Scholars represent the best and brightest in our community, coming from diverse educational fields, genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, racial backgrounds, economic circumstances and geography. Our scholars are chosen for their demonstrated leadership, scholastic achievement, involvement in the LGBT community, and financial need.”

It’s a cause we’re likely to get much more involved with.