Category Archives: Uncategorized

(Community Matters) Are you kidding me? Bill Hammond, Pres of the Texas Association of Business, thinks Congress’ approval of a law rectifying women’s right to sue for wage discrimination is wrong.

(Community Matters) It’s confirmed and irrevocable. I am not joining Steven to Amsterdam on Wednesday.

Last week, started waffling. By end of week, mind made up but second guessing. This morning, no way. It’ll be nice to spend a long weekend at home without too much committed.

Looking forward to the Austin Lyric Opera’s Desserts, Digestifs & Divas at the home of the Christies on Saturday night. Otherwise would certainly be at AIDS Services of Austin’s Viva Las Vegas at the Austin Music Hall.

(Community Matters) Did I mention Marfa was playing KoKo Taylor and other blues greats?

(Community Matters) An outstanding piece in the National Journal.

I was discussing the political philosophy of the ends justifying the means with a friend on the telephone yesterday. I think this is different. This article talks about being focused on the end result, not the means. Greater clarity from this quote, “flexible about tactics and unwavering in his goals.” Perhaps we should consider President Obama a political entrepreneur. He’s certainly taking on risks and assuming responsibility. Let’s see how he does combining labor, technology and capital to produce results. Obviously, he did outstanding in the campaign. I believe he’ll do outstanding as President as well.

(Community Matters) Thanks to our dear friend Father Bill for recommending the column I missed yesterday. here

(Community Matters) Just as well. I’m sure Mike will continue to play his important role as a town crier.

(Community Matters) Cool or what? All I had to do to check in is show them this on my blackberry – Steven on his iPhone.

(Community Matters) Earlier in the week, Marfa, Tx’s Rachel Osier Lindley mentioned having heard of a new bar in NY, Marfa.  Promised her I’d check it out and send pics

in the East Village on 2nd St, it has a Marfa esthetic both outside and inside.  Not sure I like so much tabassco in their Marfarita but the menu looks good, the bar and bartender are very sexy and it seems to draw an eclectic crowd of beautiful people.

(Community Matters) Loved catching up with so many friends at Gabe Larkin’s bar mitzvah yesterday. Gabe, his parents, Lisa & Jay Larkin, and brother, Ryan, among our dear friends from the trip to Israel a couple of years ago.

Gabe Larkin

The service was at Congregation Rodeph Sholom, an exquisitely constructed synagogue half a block from Central Park on the Upper West Side. Especially enjoyed their rabbi, Robert Levine, who happened to have attended rabbinical school with Austin Rabbi Kerry Baker. Lots of thoughts about Judaism and inclusion while we were at the service. As I’ve said for many years now, too many evangelizing Christians are spoiling the name & word of Jesus by promoting Christianity as exclusive. Rabbi Levine even spoke about the inclusiveness of God’s favor, acknowledging it is broad enough to include all faiths. He said “the chosen ones” refers to those who choose God, not those God chooses.

We sat with Loni & Manny Azenberg, also just in front of Prof. Ernestine Bradley. Regrettably, all three had to leave immediately after the service – the Azenberg’s for Rebecca’s dance performance in Philadelphia and to celebrate her birthday. Had a super conversation with Manny about Austin playwright Martin Zimmerman’s work and his recent production in NYC. Manny thought it was an important step for Martin and stands by the brilliance of the work. Manny has a very cool new project underway (previous reports of his

retirement, his own disinformation as I’ve come to learn). After graduating *Spring Awakening* – he was an original producer and the general manager but has not stayed involved for the road show – he is in negotiations to bring back the work of a Broadway great. Can’t blog yet but coming.

Much fun, dancing, eating, drinking at Jay’s Club 81 for the reception. Loved dancing the horah .

Steven, Eleanor, Roman & Jack

Jack Tantleff’s left William Morris and is now representing clients at Paradigm. Eleanor Reissa performing, directing and writing – recently back from an Eastern European tour. Her yiddish cabaret act is to die for. Roman Sworecki every bit the gentleman, busy surgeon and Eleanor’s #1 fan as always. We’ll be back soon for a weekend at their Conneticut home.

(Community Matters) The American Plan at the Manhattan Theatre with Mercedes Ruehl – outstanding. Our friend Rob Oppegard joined us.

Stopped by the Vineyard Theatre earlier today. Connected with Jen Garvey-Blackwell and Doug Aibel. We’ll see their *In This City* night. This is the theatre where American Fiesta was performed. Big surprise Union Cafe booked tomorrow night (Valentines). Thanks gosh for Cafe Loup. Posted from my blackberry

(Community Matters) Steven and I spent time at the Met this afternoon.  I loved the exhibit.

ST: big surprise I’m such a Bonnard fan, that his work includes my favorite colors and is about homes, their table and the countryside.  

And, it’s more than that. . . . same rooms, same tables, same chair in front of the same window with different seasons.  Individuals in the pictures, but they don’t add to any narrative.  That he painted from memory, often over long periods of time.  That he created so many canvasses simultaneously. Landscapes that convey warmth and life through colors, hues & tones. Impressionist polaroids.  Ordinary life in all its beauty.

I even had to send Julie Speed a quick text.  Bonnard’s window scenes remind me of the war outside the window of my favorite character tossing fish in one of Julie’s paintings.  

Very pleased to have seen this exhibit.  Hoping to spend a little more time there.

hmmm  Edward Munch in Chicago

Will it be warm there before April 26?