Monthly Archives: December 2013

(Community Matters) Can’t wait to read. Our friend Prof Keith Walters sent to us. Steven nearly finished – “amazing book,” “the author is a great story teller.”

NYT review: http://nyti.ms/1bkv5QU “On the one hand, Israel is the only nation in the West that is occupying another people,” he writes. “On the other hand, we are the only nation in the West that is existentially threatened. Both occupation and intimidation make the Israeli condition unique. Intimidation and occupation have become the two pillars of our condition.”

(Community Matters) Totally bummed had to miss the inaugural  TEDxAustinWomen, though Leigh Christie represented EF. I was able to watch a bit via live stream – a really super event. Kudos to all who produced and otherwise made happen and to the star studded line up of speakers, including friends Lynn & Tommie Meredith and Violet Bell.

(Community Matters)  healing progressing ahead of plan.

Day 2                                                                                    Day 3

been working from home. Many thanks to the friends and colleagues who agreed to meet here. And, what  a treat, this afternoon’s happy hour with Margo Weisz, Randi Shade, Jill McRae & Amy Rudy, talk about Austin Women and Brave Starts Here. 

Community Matters) Round Rock plain glazed donut named #2 best donut in the country; Austin’s Gourgdough’s rated #12 (I should give them another try).  I don’t know #1 Donut Vault in Chicago but plan to soon. #15 Voodoo in Portland is a favorite but I intentionally didn’t visit on this trip since my jeans were plenty tight after Thanksgiving.

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(Community Matters) Couldn’t have gone better. I really like Dr. Nakra

pics of surgery below the fold. I know, I know . . . tmi. Dont’ click to expand if queasy.

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(Community Matters) the Entrepreneurs Foundation has launched a Philippines Typhoon Relief Fund – we’ll match the first $115,000 in contributions dollar for dollar.

Our approach could change in response to the rapidly changing situation – at this time, we are researching the greatest needs among the nine regions and which organizations have the ground resources to be most effective. We will deploy the same due diligence and attention to effectiveness as we used in distributing and helping raise over $1.5 million for earthquake relief in Haiti and nearly $500 thousand to helping Hurricane Katrina evacuees in Central Texas.

What we know today:

• 14.9 million Filipinos affected; 4.13 million displaced
• 5,560 dead; another 1,757 people still missing
• 204,131 still living in 1,031 evacuation centres
• Planting season ends in Jan – urgency in helping farmers plant rice & corn
• Reports from coordination hubs indicate that humanitarian partners need to expand their response programmes to more remote areas and islands in Eastern and Western Visayas Regions
• Water, sanitation and hygiene partners warn of potential disease outbreaks amid confirmation of faecal coliform in some water sources

Contributions can be made on-line at http://AmplifyAustin.org/TyphoonRelief or by sending a check to The Entrepreneurs Foundation – Philippines Typhoon Relief Fund; P.O. Box 684826, Austin, TX 78768

(Community Matters) Steven and I just back from a couple of days in Portland, OR to attend the opening of their American Fiesta. Super time visiting with Keith Walters & Jonathan Tamez. So enjoyed Triangle Production’s staging of American Fiesta – perhaps a tinsey bit too literal, and it was a super tribute – especially to their long time, late patron, an avid Fiestaware collector. Gary Wayne Cash, the actor, is good. He’ll only get even better with a few shows under his belt and as he comes to “know” the characters.  Total unexpected treat, lunch with my dear, dear, long lost friend, Anne Kern. We had a lot of fun together in our 20s.