Community Matters

(Community Matters) today’s Atticus Circle luncheon was the first – and a smashing success. Hard to believe this organization which Anne Wynne launched and Chula Reynolds seeded now has 6,000 supporters.

Chely Wright

Country Western star Chely Wright, Dell Inc and the Texas A&M GLBT Aggies were honored at today’s luncheon. Anne interview Chely and her story about coming out, being a closeted, now an out country western star. It was fantastically well done

Tons and tons of friends at the event. Joining us at our table: Kip Keller, Tana & Joe Christie, Andy Miller & Brian Stephens, Joyce Christian, Graham Reynolds, Diane Land & Steve Adler, Cookie Ruiz. And also at the event – good gosh tons including board members Anne, Brooke Hardie, Mary Herman, John Hildreth, Bill Ikard, Susan Longley, Joann McKenzie,Lucas Schaefer, Courtney Spence – and of course their gracious exec dir. Ruth Gardner-Loew

(Community Matters) great interview of Sonya Cohen Cramer’s daddy, John Cohen on NPR here

two of his pics featured on the website:

Jack Kerouac, Lucien Carr & Allen Ginsberg, 1959

David Elliot & Woody Guthrie, 1961

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I just remembered to order his newly published collection Past Present Peru: Photos, Music & Film

(Community Matters)

Vodpod videos no longer available.

(Community Matters) I’m floored that the opening meetings act would be interpreted to dissuade council members from discussing and finding compromises & solutions prior to the public meetings where they take additional citizen input and arrive at final decisions.  AAS story.

Is it realistic to think this business can all take place during the limited hours of public meetings? Of course, votes and final discussion (after final citizen & staff input) are appropriately part of the requirement.

Certainly don’t begrudge our County Attorney for pursuing clarifying the law. If there’s room for interpretation, I’d know he’ll do so realistically. As we’re identifying emergency legislative issues perhaps the Governor could be persuaded to add this and civil service reform to the agenda.

the latter referring to silly arbitrator decisions requiring promotion of employees convicted of shoplifting & lying to investigators

(Community Matters) The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll shows enthusiastic and overwhelmingly positive response by most Americans.

The litany approach versus thematic or ideological resulted in something for everyone, touching & inspiring most. Though, likely not for trial lawyers; I didn’t realize the evidence supported medical malpractice reform. I loved and appreciate the shout out to LGBT equality and DA/DT repeal.

Ryan and Bachmann of course had a much easier job, and their pieces were clearly thematic, probably rewarding to their bases. I, personally, didn’t like either of these, but they might have worked for their audiences. Wondering how Ryan’s polled with independents.

Wasn’t my very favorite SOTU, but while we were watching, Graham Reynolds reminded us that polls in the last few decades have shown the most effective SOTU speeches took a litany approach rather than going for poetic or inspiring. It was great watching with Diane Land, Steve Adler, James Aldrete & Graham. Unfortunately, ST was at a Wheatsvile Coop board meeting.

pinched from The Daily Dish:

SOTU Reax

(Community Matters) The Economist Jan 25

Some strange choices to illuminate, are these even accurate? And, as The Economist points out, perhaps even more interesting a map of what each state is best at. If someone knows of one out there, I’d like to hear.

Hat Tip: Andrew Sullivan

(Community Matters) from Roll Call

Vodpod videos no longer available.

(Community Matters) Turns out our founding fathers did have an opinion about government run healthcare & mandating citizen purchase of coverage – Forbes

(Community Matters) aka Mike McHone – now reading in AAS that the Congress Ave Hotel is breezing through regulatory process. Actually, the project doesn’t sound bad. It’s legal representative, Mr. Super Duplex, aka Mike McHone, the 70s housing coop entrepreneur gone bad – now known for shirking city ordinances and squeezing by on technicalities. While from a far the physical hotel project doesn’t look bad (contrary to the deal which is reported to include variances, allowances and tax abatements/relief), we’re likely to get screwed on the fine print and the business deal.

(Community Matters) wondering how those shouting “keep gov’t out of my medicare” feel about Rep Paul Ryan’s (GOP’s) plan to privatize medicare and social security

(Community Matters) “Obama is not a brown-skinned, anti-war socialist who gives away free healthcare. UR thinking of Jesus.” –FB status, Episcopal Bishop in Arizona

(Community Matters) reading in this week’s ABJ about a new hotel on Congress Ave. Initially slated for 15 stories and 60 rooms, now they are talking about 26 stories and 130 rooms, seeking historical designation and CURE zoning. All was sounding good to me until I read Mike McHone is representing the developer. Mike’s reputation is a serious issue. He’s pulled fast ones on neighbors and neighborhoods – the super duplex could be his logo. Some of his projects have had serious code violations. I’m hoping our city staff & council will take a seriously hard look at any promises represented by this man.  one example