Monthly Archives: July 2012

(Community Matters) “Omnivorous- ness is part of a much broader trend in the behavior of our elite, one that embraces diversity. . . . Our modern omnivores have filled in the moats and torn down the fences. With exclusion and snobbery a relic . . . But if you look at the omnivore from another point of view, a far different picture emerges. . . . The narrative of openness and talent obscures the bitter truth of the American experience. Talents are costly to develop, and we refuse to socialize these costs.”

thinking more about Professor Shamus Khan’s NYTimes op-ed on the new elitists,

. . . if they can recognize the class basis of their success, then perhaps they will also recognize their class responsibility. They owe a debt to others for their fortunes, and seeing this may also help elites realize that the poor are ruled by a similar dynamic: their present position is most often bound to a history not of their own choosing or responsibility.

I think my friend who launched the conversation about this article was warning Austinites to recognize the privilege of cultural omnivorousness and share it, rather than withdrawing behind “moats & fences,” dividing into their “own schools, clubs and cultural artifacts”?

(Community Matters)  Reading about Mr Forti and American Crossroads – I’m wondering . . . . are these guys making 15% on the media buys? If so, is Forti pocketing $60mm? What about the guys running the others – both sides of the aisle I’m asking

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(Community Matters) An acquaintance flagged this NYTimes article, The New Elitists, with the comment “Wake up, Austin. Somebody’s talking about you. . . .”

I’ve asked him to share more about his perspective

updated here

(Community Matters) Straight Eagle Scout Returns Badge in Protest of Boy Scouts’ Anti-Gay Policies. Wow, I learned the real meaning of Ponce de León’s fountain of youth while teaching undergraduates at UT, and I never cease to be amazed by the optimism and open heartedness of most young people.

from Towleroad:  Martin Cizmar, the arts and culture editor of Portland Oregon’s weekly Williamette Week, returned his Eagle Scout badge to the Boy Scouts yesterday in protest of the group’s anti-gay policies.

Wrote Cizmar: “I am not gay. However, I cannot in good conscious hold thi sbadge as long as the BSA continues a policy of bigotry. Though I didn’t know at the time, I was acquainted with a number fo gay scouts and scouters. They were all great men, loyal to the scout oath and motto and helpful to the movement. There is no fair reason they should not be allowed to participate in scouting.”

Added Cizmar on Twitter: “Just mailed my Eagle Scout medal back to the BSA to protest the ban on gay scouts. Kinda sad, but important.”

(Community Matters) I can’t help it, sorta tear up every time I see a fun video made by these young men & women serving in armed forces. Not only is it great to see them having moments of fun – but their obvious, complete comfort with their own gender identity and no apparent worries about if others might think otherwise. Makes me think the repeal of don’t ask, don’t tell hasn’t only been tolerated & well executed, I think it’s benefiting all the young men & women serving our country.

Looking forward to seeing our dear friend Brett Lester who arrives tomorrow for a few days stay with us as he enjoys a bit of R&R from the Marines (Asia based)

Hat Tip: Towleroad

(Community Matters) President Obama was in Austin yesterday. Because of my role as Pres/CEO of two NPR affiliates, I’m not able to participate in fundraisers; but, I did join Tom & Lynn Meredith & friends after the dinner.

Remembering times with the President. It’s hard to be on the sidelines, and I appreciate all friends who stay engaged.

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(Community Matters) talk about a welcome

mf-GULYRBgg

Next week is the annual Homoclimbtastic convention in Fayetteville, West Virginia

(Community Matters) In early from Marfa. Spent last night in Fredericksburg, drinks & dinner with my long lost, very dear friends Joe Cloud & John Wallace. Then, a night cap  in their exquisite gardens with their friend Bill Joseph. Joe insisted I stay in one of their next door cottages, the All Seasons Main Street Retreat.

Plus they own the Downtown Retreat and the Cottage at Circle J. I definitely recommend them while in Fredericksburg – Joe is beyond meticulous (not to mention the bed was wayyyy comfortable)

(Community Matters) Thought provoking – from the NY Times

(Community Matters)  Dark energy is thought to comprise 74% of the universe but what is it?  Yesterday was the first time I got that it’s a placeholder – they don’t know. They estimate that atoms account for 4%, that dark matter accounts for 22% and they call the remaining 74% dark energy. “It’s a fudge factor to help explain why the universe is expanding” and its expansion has accelerated. Expansion rate = radiation (light) + matter + universe’s shape + dark energy

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(Community Matters) Minimalism as mass tourism and entertainment. Though several years old, Yve-Alain Bois’ review of two Judd shows provides an enlightening perspective on minimalism and Donald Judd’s work.

Judd’s obsession with the proper installation and exhibition of his sculptures, the selection of materials & the integrity thereof, is conveyed in Ann Temkin’s piece on the preservation of his works.

I’m embarrassed to admit, while I’ve seen John Water’s poster Visit Marfa (image herein), I’d never stopped to realize it’s meant as a ridicule of minimalism, Judd and Marfa

(Community Matters) Super story on Joe Christie and his internationally strolling buddies in Michael Barnes’ Out & About

Joe & Tana are in Marfa this weekend too