Community Matters

(Community Matters) at the current TED Conference, Bill Gates presented on the sad and misleading practices states use to hide their true financial positions – especially related to health and pension costs of retired state employees.

Completely different topics: transparency/accountability in financial reporting/mgmt and whether or not gov’t is a business & should be run like one. The latter is near ridiculous in my book – one reason because this is where we pay for the externalized costs we allow from business (as well as broader society)

(Community Matters) I’m currently in Miami for OutGiving 2011, a conference providing “a unique space for gay, lesbian and allied philanthropists and leaders to build relationships and share ideas so that we can work together more effectively to create change.”

There’s about 220 people here – combination philanthropists, organizational leaders and other thought leaders. Looking forward to mostly listening and learning. Wish Steven was here with me.

it was interesting when someone came up to me at last night’s reception and asked if I was the Eugene who wrote frequently on the eQuality listserve. Afraid I was gonna get blasted, I was so pleasantly surprised and honored to be thanked for my “eloquence and honesty”

(Community Matters) remarks from my friend Ken Mehlman at Mary Matalin’s home for a GOProud fundraiser – thought provoking. We must work both sides of the aisle and different narratives might be required for each

Update: a couple of friends have written about this. I’m not saying I agree with what Ken is saying in this video. And, I want to encourage, not dissuade anyone building support for LGBT equality in the GOP. Different narratives . . . what me and my friends say probably isn’t what will build the bridges we need w/ true red conservatives

Vodpod videos no longer available.

(Community Matters) from TED – Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir – ‘Lux Aurumque’185 voices from 12 countries join a choir that spans the globe: “Lux Aurumque,” composed and conducted by Eric Whitacre, merges hundreds of tracks individually recorded and posted to YouTube. It’s an astonishing illustration of how technology can connect us.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

(Community Matters) . . . today on Texas Independence Day

The Entrepreneurs Foundation is celebrating you and our great member companies this evening. Brian Sharples & Carl Sheperd (HomeAway) are receiving our Community Leadership Award, and we’re honoring 3 outstanding companies leading in community involvement: Bazaarvoice, Troux Technology & Innography.

(Community Matters) Wine on the terrace looking over Lake Austin last night with my dear friend Lynn Meredith – we could solve many of the world’s problems if just left to us.  (and what a wine cellar to raid 🙂 )

(Community Matters) too sad to even comment

(Community Matters) Outstanding – wish was gonna be in town to watch

(Community Matters) Okay . . . I’d always seen but never stopped. Uncorked, the wine bar on E. 7th St just east of I-35 – one of the best views in town & a surprising selection of wines by the glass (& many flights) plus good food. I’m going back often (especially since it’s nearly across the street from my office).

(Community Matters) an insightful perspective of why the US has had only limited successes in Asia

By George Friedman

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, speaking at West Point, said last week that “Any future defense secretary who advises the president to again send a big American land army into Asia or into the Middle East or Africa should have his head examined.” In saying this, Gates was repeating a dictum laid down by Douglas MacArthur after the Korean War, who urged the United States to avoid land wars in Asia. Given that the United States has fought four major land wars in Asia since World War II — Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq — none of which had ideal outcomes, it is useful to ask three questions: First, why is fighting a land war in Asia a bad idea? Second, why does the United States seem compelled to fight these wars? And third, what is the alternative that protects U.S. interests in Asia without large-scale military land wars?

The Hindrances of Overseas Wars

Let’s begin with the first question, the answer to which is rooted in demographics and space. Continue reading →

(Community Matters) Last week we learned our (I’m on the MPR board of directors) bid for the Odessa Public Radio station (KOCV) was accepted by trustees of Odessa College. Since they were divesting themselves of the station and mission, we decided our mission to serve West Texas included ensuring the availability of public radio in the Permian Basin. I’m pleased to see the positive responses from our existing listeners and supporters.

Listener Comments on KOCV bid win, 2/23/2011 – 2/25/2011

“That is wonderful news, you should all be proud of yourselves!!!!” –

“Congratulations on the Odessa station. Quality shows.” –

Continue reading →

(Community Matters) Meals w/ friends, it’s my favorite form of communion.

Spectacular weekend on top of Michael Barnes’ & Kip Keller’s reading week – Friday evening: w/ Sandi Aitken & Bob Tomlinson at Uchi; Saturday evening w/ Lily & Yigal Saad & Diane Land/Steve Adler at Second Kitchen; Sunday lunch: extra special Pat Braithwaite’s homecooking – Keith Braithwaite too; Sunday late dinner, our godson Luke Hayes over for a simple homecooked meal and Oscar watching.