Monthly Archives: July 2011

(Community Matters) Lady Gaga

Vodpod videos no longer available.

(Community Matters) Steven and I saw the rough cut of Andrew Garrison’s documentary last nite w/ Allison Orr, Blake Trabulsi, JoeJoe (4mos old!), Graham Reynolds (music), Shawn Sides, Julie Showden, Stiles White and Angela Pires, the film’s editor – fantastic. Trash Dance is a performance & so much more. It’s about men & women who work so hard w/ pride & who hold down 2 & 3 jobs. It’s about how they see themselves, their work & their families. Over 2k attended last year’s performances. Being produced again on 8/27 & 8/28. More information at http://forkliftdanceworks.org . The below youtube posting isn’t Andrew’s documentary but a video of the performance. For Andrew’s trailer, go here

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(Community Matters) I’m increasingly anxious for friends, acquaintances and even people I don’t know who are looking for work or who are underemployed. I fear some portion of this recession/depression unemployment is more deeply systemic. Upon recovery, is it reasonable to expect well earning opportunities for everyone who’s lost their jobs? And, how long will the soft market last? As I posted below, soft market is relative to geography and sector.

Interesting article in The Atlantic: Why Unemployment Matters. It doesn’t address the systemic changes in US employment but she does (albeit superficially) discuss psychological implications of long term unemployment.

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(Community Matters) Just yesterday I was talking with my friend, Jeff Sandefer about the systemic effects of technology improvements on jobs in our country. What are our responsibilities for those left behind as automation replaces living wage jobs – not to mention exporting of jobs? Of course no resolution but we agreed to discuss further, perhaps convene a discussion among a broader group.

Interesting related article published today by Tech Crunch: A Tale Of Two Countries: The Growing Divide Between Silicon Valley And Unemployed America

(Community Matters) Jill McRae’s Far Breton is even better on day 3 (and the remaining champagne opened two days ago is just as good & bubbly)

(Community Matters) NYT: Time-Travel Adventure to Save the Life of Doctor Who

I like the term immersive production, we often call them site specific

(Community Matters) story below from Mike Allen’s Playbook. I’m not trying to pile on w/ affordable housing opponents. Anyone who knows where I’ve prioritized my time during the previous 15 years knows this includes helping launch an affordable housing land trust as well as substantially contributing on teams that have raised money (7 figures) for new affordable housing projects plus the renovation of existing homes for low income, elderly East Austin residents. And, this is why I’m particularly sensitive to inefficiencies and waste in affordable housing – monies are too scarce and we’ve gotta show high, consistent ROIs for continued investment. 

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(Community Matters) “If you had one piece of advice that you’d give another man about love, what would it be?”

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(Community Matters) Austin Technology Council: 2011 Spring CEO Survey ‐ Top 10 Findings Report: shortage of skilled talent and yet plans to expand in Austin

(Community Matters) Can’t believe I didn’t take pictures – should have at least of the food. Good gosh, masses of food, about half of it vegan.

Of course my favorite 4yo and 6yo girls strolling up the sidewalk with homemade almond croissants (sporting a new big girl dress and pretty fancy ear rings, respectively) were my favorite guests. Ivy & Lily even brought their parents along, Leigh & Charles Christie.

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(Community Matters) Edmonton Journal: So much for the silly fear of a ‘gay agenda’

Hat Tip: Scott Collier

(Community Matters) Texas Observer:

The pastors told Perry of God’s grand plan for Texas. A chain of powerful prophecies had proclaimed that Texas was “The Prophet State,” anointed by God to lead the United States into revival and Godly government. And the governor would have a special role.

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