Category Archives: Uncategorized

(Community Matters) I don’t know what this means for the millions of Texans who were looking forward to purchasing health care insurance affordably in 2014

FIRST LOOK: Texas Gov. Rick Perry, in a letter today to Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, will announce his opposition to implementing a health-insurance exchange AND expanding Medicaid. Perry will write : “[W]e in Texas have no intention to implement so-called state exchanges or to expand Medicaid under Obamacare, I will not be party to socializing healthcare and bankrupting my state in direct contradiction to our Constitution and our founding principles of limited government. I stand proudly with the growing chorus of governors who reject the Obamacare power grab. Neither a ‘state’ exchange nor the expansion of Medicaid under this program would result in better ‘patient protection’ or in more ‘affordable care.’ They would only make Texas a mere appendage of the federal government when it comes to health care.”

(Community Matters) Rosie & Charlie asked. I thought I remembered 700 ft above sea level

Austin (/ˈɒstɨn/ or /ˈɔːstɨn/) is the capital of the state of Texas and the seat ….. Its elevation varies from 425 feet (130 m) to approximately 1000 feet

(Community Matters) Leonard Pitts: . . . a nation whose depth of division and lack of unifying principle now poison the very air, a nation where, to speak of greatness is, increasingly, to speak of history.

I don’t believe in contemporary American exceptionalism as historically defined. I’m optimistic of our ability to still model greatness. We need a compelling vision that will unify us, that transcends politics, and which is bigger than ourselves and our country.

(Community Matters) Proud of my church 

(Community Matters) I met Rosie Hansen in 1989, wow already 23 years ago, and her husband Charlie Kessler, just in Dec while we were back in Sydney. They arrived Friday night – such a treat spending a few days together. I’m more than bummed I won’t be with Steven in Sydney in two weeks – two west texas board meetings, ughh

Last night mucho fun dinner at our place including Kim & Kyle Hughes, Sandi & Bob Tomlinson, Mitch Berman, Michael Mitchell, Kip Keller & Michael Barnes.  omg, Sandi made two delicious fresh peach pies and Chase Pilat made homemade vanilla ice cream which went from the machine to the top of 12 slices.

(pic: Kyle, Michael M & Charlie)

(Community Matters)

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Previous posting of pics

Hat Tip: Towelroad

(Community Matters) Much appreciation to Google and all team members for their international campaign advocating LGBT equality – Singapore & Poland named within first sights.

(Community Matters) So many rabbit holes to run down, I don’t know where to start  – but need to think more about this  – Washington Guardian business model. Can deep investigative journalism be sustainably monetized in today’s market? I’m familiar with the Texas Tribune’s business model, and it’s highly dependent on philanthropic support. Should become familiar with Politico’s model. Time to call on my friends John Thornton & Evan Smith to better understand.

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(Community Matters) I thought the Huffington Post headline was over-the-top sensationalist when referred to bank’s trading scandal as potentially their Enron moment . . . but the LIBOR business could do deeper, further and represent criminal activity – scary to imagine the reach

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(Community Matters) Culture Map did a story on the top LGBT blog sites. Of course I knew Michael’s & AusChron but pleased to learn of the Chase Martin: The Republiq and  Bryan Kosarek: Gay in Austin.

(Community Matters) sorry to be missing the 2012 Aldridge Place 4th of July parade and picnic.

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pics from previous years

(Community Matters) Saw him in a toy store window in Chinatown. They refused to sell him to me darnit