Community Matters

(Community Matters) in the Atlantic

(Community Matters) I finally had a chance to scroll through their blog this morning. Interesting.  The Bilerico Project

(Community Matters) in tomorrow’s NYT “Obama to Press Centrist Agenda in His Address”

five “pillars” for ensuring America’s competitiveness and economic growth: Innovation, Education, Infrastructure, Deficit reduction and Reforming government.

“He’s making the transition from an economic security president to an economic growth president,” said Jim Kessler, co-founder of the centrist organization Third Way, “and he’s moving from the left to the center.”

(Community Matters) reportedly a real message for an Aussie school – doubtful but provocative

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(Community Matters)

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(Community Matters) I have a husband who loves going to the doctor – his primary care physician, dentists, eye doctors, hand doctors, whisperers, any sort of specialist he might need. Steven’s got enough scientist in him that he doesn’t hesitate to explore a malady and loves the conversation.

My first thought when something pops up isn’t really “oh, I should go to a doctor,” but more like, “hmm, hope this goes away soon,” or, “if I mention this to Steven he’s gonna bug me to go to a doctor.” Don’t get me wrong – I like my primary care physician. My doc’s a buddy; we exchange emails, I like hearing about his basketball game and his latest surfing excursion. Guess I’m not really over his conspiring with Steven that one shouldn’t have more than 2 or 3 glasses of wine a week, nor any cigars.

But, I did see Mark this week for a check up and loved the affirmation about the weight I’ve lost, how good I’m looking and sounding.  And, of course, checking in on his surfing, kids, basketball (finally hung it up) and our various travels. So emboldened I even mentioned an ankle issue I’ve been hiding for a few years. And, today, I went to the orthopedic surgeon. Turns out I know his sister – and I remembered when he was tooling around in Australia.  Yeah, we got around to the ankle (pumps are dangerous & damaging) but, more importantly, I got to connect with an interesting, pretty hot doc.

(Community Matters) sad it takes rules to ensure LGBT partners can visit their significant others in the hospital. Very happy Pres. Obama made this virtually the law of the land – news release here.

Sad the American Family Association and other hate groups* have declared these rules immoral and promised to fight them. AFA earlier produced a video saying the gov’t shouldn’t ensure such.

* The Southern Poverty Law Center has declared the American Family Association & Family Research Council hate groups for knowingly promoting false & demonizing information in its campaign against gays & lesbians – info here

of course, these groups have no integrity – one of FRC’s founders, George Rekers, the same guy found employing a rentboy during his European trip

(Community Matters) It’s been 21 years since Lew Aldridge launched the Octopus Club, all proceeds which fund ASA’s emergency fund for people living with AIDS and HIV. Of course, front and center yesterday was Lew at the La Sombra event. Lew & the Octopus Club have raised over $1mm for this emergency fund.

Many thanks to godson Cameron Lockley for sponsoring last night’s Octopus event – the place was really hoping. Jim Lommori was of course also there – he’s been contributing to and helping led this initiative every bit of the 21 years.

Hailey Rudy (center) & her beau, Cory Vargas (right) joined me for the party and dinner. Joe Pierce joined us for a drink.

(Community Matters) Graham Reynolds invited me to the rough edit screening of Richard Linklater’s newest film (for which Graham is creating the score). Kinda fascinating. After the screening, we had a fairly candid talk back with Richard – folks offering numerous opinions and answering Richard’s questions. And, even after that, a few friends (all musicians sans moi) out for drinks to talk about every cue and the music.

I’m not able to comment on the movie but found the process fascinating. Lots of this talk way above my head, though everyone was sweet and kept explaining to me.

(Community Matters) when I learned Texas Republican legislators didn’t want to tap the rainy day fund to help close the budget gap, I thought . . . that’s ridiculous. Talking with my dear friend Steve Adler, I gained perspective.

When the objective is to shrink government, you don’t find ways to fund existing programs, you find excuses to cut them.

Grover Norquist (president of Americans for Tax Reform) said, “I don’t want to abolish government. I simply want to reduce it to the size where I can drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub.”

Norquist was an early George W. Bush for president supporter – in fact, according to Wikipedia, he’s widely credited with securing his support from conservatives. He was also instrumental in crafting the Bush tax cuts.

(Community Matters) Attended a fundraiser for Senator Sherrod Brown last night, then a few of us had dinner after. Second time we’ve spent time together – the first among a group of progressives just to talk issues. He’s impressive, formidable & has one of the best memories I’ve ever witnessed. He’s up for reelection in 2012 – for a second term in the Senate, after 7 terms in the House and serving in Ohio’s state house plus as its Secretary of State. He’s a progressive lion in the Senate, a liberal focused on root cause & pragmatic solutions.

More broadly: encouraging polling

(Community Matters) speechless

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