Monthly Archives: June 2012

(Community Matters) Wow, home at 5 yesterday and didn’t even turn on the computer. Gardened, walked to complete a few errands, read, watched television, a couple of telephone calls, then a night cap with MM at Spider House. It was like having a vacation day. Need more of them!

(Community Matters) another sign the tide has turned in quest for LGBT equality, corporations being asked to take a neutral position rather than stand against. And, I do believe our immediate legislative progress and public safety is politically tenuous

(Community Matters) The potential ROI to billionaires for their political contributions for less regulation, less taxes, more privatization is a serious dollar-on-dollar ROI. I don’t mean to dismiss the true philosophical differences between citizens voting for different parties, nor suggest that there isn’t self interest behind the vast majority of identities.

Mr Adelson often publicly states that his number one consideration is support for Israel. In a meeting with a friend who pointed out the current Administration’s track record of support for Israel, he acknowledged an equal concern – repeal of all estate taxes. At an estimated net worth approaching $25 billion, Mr Adelson’s ROI for $100 million in political donations could exceed 8,000%; he could save $8.7 billion.

(Community Matters) “A bill co-sponsor, State Senator Scott Beason, was frank about his motive: “when their children grow up and get the chance to vote, they vote for Democrats.” Mr Beason, was later caught referring to blacks as “aborigines,”  NYTimes: The Strange Career of Juan Crow

After the Russians, it was the Queers. Not that we’re loved by all now but they are definitely losing their hate campaign against us (this doesn’t mean I dismiss serious, possibly violent setbacks should Republicans sweep Nov elections) and have moved on to immigrants with brown skin (which allows a much smaller subset to extrapolate their need for hate against brown skin people, immigrants or Americans). This is probably exacerbated by the demographic trends forecasting minority majorities and the loss of single culture dominance. As I remind myself, no demographic ever gives up power willingly. I also remind myself there’s usually violence and bloodshed.

(Community Matters) Mike Bandy’s a chiropractor referred to us by our dear friend Bruce Christman. Mike’s office is located at the Austin Oriental Medicine Academy on Anderson Lane. Steven went first and was raving about the help with his shoulder and foot. He very quickly helped me with my back. Can’t imagine there is anyone better  – extraordinary!

(Community Matters) Steven and Micah persuaded me our gardens will flourish with the introduction of bees – hmm.

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(Community Matters) We’ve been trying to have dinner since last together in Montana during August. After two failed attempts, we each managed to keep our schedules and finally gathered last night – Kate Ludeman, Eddie Erlandson, Lynn & Tommie Meredith, Steven and moi. There’s a magic in the conversation and discernment of the six of us at a table – there’s more equal sharing of floor time and generous inquiry for the perspective of each. Kate & Eddie were exquisite hosts at their Lake Austin abode, the former Sharples compound.

pics from last summer in Montana

(Community Matters) I remember how impressed I was that Elton John would play a private party for $1mm

If it were a progressive or liberal conclave I’d feel similarly sad:  <<even Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and [Clarence] Thomas>>

“Koch Industries , the brothers’ privately owned oil, chemical and household products company, has sponsored the summits twice a year since 2003 … The donors … are gently pressured to give while the invited operatives jockey to impress the Kochs and their donors with presentations on campaign and legislative strategy. There’s also a collection of A-list dignitaries that has in recent years included rising political stars like Eric Cantor, Chris Christie, Bob McDonnell and Rick Perry, talkers like Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck – even Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and [Clarence] Thomas. … The Kochs raised more than $150 million at their winter conference this year in Indian Wells, Calif., on top of $49 million at a summit a year earlier in Rancho Mirage, Calif.” http://bit.ly/LL8jJK

(Community Matters) Congrats to the guys – looks like they’ve raised the monies to build the 36-story mixed use tower

#Endeavor

(Community Matters) Apple’s introducing in their new iPhone operating system – cool

Hat Tip: Towleroad

(Community Matters) ABJ: Grachos will begin his new role part time in November, and assume full-time responsibilities in January 2013. Grachos previously served as director of the Albright-Knox Gallery in Buffalo, N.Y., director of Site Santa Fe, interim director and curator of exhibitions at the Center for the Fine Arts in Miami, and various positions at the Queens Museum of Art and The Americas Society.

(Community Matters) Peter Frumpkin and Tommie Meredith launched this social entrepreneurship competition in 2007 (MFI Foundation seed funded). With Suzi Sosa’s leadership & Dell’s sponsorship it’s become one of the top social entrepreneurship competitions in the world.