Community Matters

(Community Matters) Regrettably, the online version of the article may only be available to subscribers.  A succinct and clear chronology of events which include many critical missteps.  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB30001424052748704026204575266560930780190.html It’s especially helpful since the WSJ has credibility when reporting on corporate activities, or at least not biased against.

Were it not for the ridiculous federal indemnification, I’d say we’d own BP by now, or at least sue for a lien on all company assets to ensure all those materially and directly effected by the spill will be appropriately compensated up to shareholders’ equity.

(Community Matters) Steven and I saw Enron at the Noel Coward in London’s West End tonight.

Lucy Prebble’s play about defining corporate excess in the 1990s has played strong in London, though it folded after only two weeks in New York.  Not difficult to understand why it didn’t translate.  Prebble used caricatures rather than believable characters.  Not sure caricatures ever earn sympathy or intellectual rationalizations.  Nevertheless, we’re both glad we saw the show which tells an important story, even if a bit sophomorically.

(Community Matters) I met Frank Loy on the streets of Washington one day, unexpected attended an event for EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson at his home that evening, prodded his wife Dale Loy about a mesmerizing painting in their home (which as it turns out she painted) and now, fortunately, bump into them often when I’m in DC.  What a treat when I found out they keep a home in Rome and would be here during my visit.

I love their apartment very near the Piazza de Farnese and the French Embassy where I joined them and a friend, Jonathan Nadler, for drinks before accompanying them to dinner at a favorite trattoria just down the street.

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(Community Matters) Among my new Roman friends are Jeannette Montgomery Barron & James Barron, long time friends of Suzanne who I met at the AAR Gala

Jeanntte & James

James is an art dealer, Jeannette a photographer who’s recently published an exquisite book, My Mother’s Clothes.  Enjoyed my afternoon visit to their spacious and light rich apartment just behind my favorite coffee shop in Rome, Sant Estauchio.

(Community Matters) I wasn’t familiar with mithraeums,the place of worship where (especially) Roman soldiers practiced the mystery religion of Mithraism.

Since the site we visited is still being excavated, I better not identify it. Our guides, AAR fellows in Roman art history (post doctorate) and Roman archeology hosted us for tours of this site as well as Case Romane del Celio and San Clemente

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(Community Matters) Up early and crunching away on some numbers, organizing notes from about a dozen telephone conversations these last two weeks, and conducting a wee bit of internet research.  I love vacation and work doesn’t stand still.  Though, it’s not taking up too much more than 10 hours a week while away. I’m a bit behind so could be more.

(Community Matters) Stefano Aluffi is an old friend of Suzanne’s and obviously knows everyone in the art world and social scene in Rome.  My right-side dinner companion Wednesday night whispered that he’s really a count (she’s actually a princess).

Stefano (at center in picture) hosted a very small group of American Academy supporters in his home for lunch yesterday.

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(Community Matters) Perfect timing in so many ways – joined Suzanne and her American Academy group for today’s opening of MAXXI, Rome’s new National Museum for 21st Century Art. It opened to the press this morning (we were given credentials) and I imagine opened to the public later today.

Zaha Hadid designed this museum as an open and liveable urban space devoted to contemporary creativity, art & architecture.

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(Community Matters) Started the morning at the home of the Leopardi Dittajuti family, viewing the private, contemporary collection and tasting some the family’s Conte Leopardi Dittajuti wine.

(Community Matters) Flew up to join Suzanne Deal Booth at the American Academy in Rome’s trustee festivities, including their annual gala, the McKim Medal Gala. Miuccia Prada received this year’s award.

Miuccia Prada, pardon my unsteady hand; she is lovely

w/ Suzanne

The event was held at their annex property overlooking the original Academy which is just as luscious an oasis at the top of Trastevere

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(Community Matters) today in Rome – good gosh I’ve missed it. Sorry Steven in Frankfurt instead. More about it tomorrow