(Community Matters) Wow, she is the likely next Young Republican President?
Friday, July 10, 2009
Looking for An Office
(Community Matters) Steven is hunting for a small office to sublet until Christmas. He's working on a creative project and needs a quiet space between the River and 45th. He doesn't need phone or internet (or any other distractions), just someplace where he can close the door and get work done. We'd appreciate any leads!
Yard Farm Update
(Community Matters) Dad asked to see the garden - here you go
the building in the background is the pool house
ughh, next project replace the south fence? gotta do it before the bamboo wall fills in. We've just trenched the south and east borders of the back yard and inserted a bamboo barrier 2.5 feet in the ground. It'll create an even denser wall of bamboo. Imagining we should replace the old fence prior. Though, might be able to do so using another material - gotta work on that.
The retaining wall and the gate into Wheatsville have been bears - but, they're nearly done (the previous retaining wall was 70ish years old and not constructed to today's standards. The new one stands from 9 feet at the south end to maybe 6 on the north - topped by a 6-foot fence (yards of concrete & rebar? we don't even want to go there). A lot of time and money trying to get it right and to save the huge pecan tree between us, Wheatsville and our neighbor. The last bit of fencing left is in the tree well. I can't even remember whether our side, their side or down the middle. Thankfully, the wall is on Wheatsville's landlord's property and they paid for the project.
and, then . . . move pool equipment under the stairwell.
the building in the background is the pool house
ughh, next project replace the south fence? gotta do it before the bamboo wall fills in. We've just trenched the south and east borders of the back yard and inserted a bamboo barrier 2.5 feet in the ground. It'll create an even denser wall of bamboo. Imagining we should replace the old fence prior. Though, might be able to do so using another material - gotta work on that.
The retaining wall and the gate into Wheatsville have been bears - but, they're nearly done (the previous retaining wall was 70ish years old and not constructed to today's standards. The new one stands from 9 feet at the south end to maybe 6 on the north - topped by a 6-foot fence (yards of concrete & rebar? we don't even want to go there). A lot of time and money trying to get it right and to save the huge pecan tree between us, Wheatsville and our neighbor. The last bit of fencing left is in the tree well. I can't even remember whether our side, their side or down the middle. Thankfully, the wall is on Wheatsville's landlord's property and they paid for the project.
and, then . . . move pool equipment under the stairwell.
Congressman Sponsoring Repeal of DA/DT
(Community Matters) Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA) is leading the charge to overturn Don't Ask, Don't Tell. The Congressman is an Iraq war veteran, former West Point professor, criminal prosecutor, a husband and a father.
Kudos to Congr. Lloyd Doggett for co-sponsoring the repeal.
Citations for Homosexual Conduct?
(Community Matters) El Paso men kicked out of restaurant for kissing in public. Are you kidding me? Feels like some sort of backlash, after the Ft. Worth bar raid.
De Leon said the officer told the group it was illegal for two men or two women to kiss in public. The five men, he said, were told they could be cited for homosexual conductwhat's up with that - citations for homosexual conduct? I think these officers need to be told that the Supreme Court overturned Lawrence v Texas. Same excuse used by the Texas Capitol grounds police who broke up two lovers kissing on the Capitol grounds a few years ago.
2009 or 1909?
(Community Matters)
So, despite restatements: "Tempers further flared after the club's president [emphasis mine] John Duesler issued a statement Tuesday saying 'There was concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion … and the atmosphere of the club.'"
Followed the next day by: "Our Valley Club deplores discrimination in any form, as is evidenced by our multi-ethnic and diverse membership. Whatever comments may or may not have been made by an individual member is an 0pinion not shared by The Valley Club Board."
Over 60 kids from the Creative Steps Day Camp were kicked out of The Valley Swim Club because they were black. When the black children arrived (they'd paid nearly $2,000 to join) and entered the pool, the white children got out, said one of the parents. "I heard this lady, she was like, 'Uh, what are all these black kids doing here?' She's like, 'I'm scared they might do something to my child,'" reported Dymire Baylor, one of the children asked to leave. Pool attendants reportedly admitted minorities are not allowed at the club, and in a statement, the president of the club said, "There was a concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion...and the atmosphere of the club." P.S. This happened in 2009.
So, despite restatements: "Tempers further flared after the club's president [emphasis mine] John Duesler issued a statement Tuesday saying 'There was concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion … and the atmosphere of the club.'"
Followed the next day by: "Our Valley Club deplores discrimination in any form, as is evidenced by our multi-ethnic and diverse membership. Whatever comments may or may not have been made by an individual member is an 0pinion not shared by The Valley Club Board."
Hat Tip: Towleroad
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Lowell Lebermann
(Community Matters) Michael Barnes is reporting that Lowell Lebermann has passed away. Condolences to his family - especially Jenny - and friends. He contributed a great deal to Austin and to Texas. He'll be missed.6.7% Decline in Retail Sales
(Community Matters) Given that consumer spending averages about 2/3 of the US Economy, June as a weak month for retail sales is definitely not a good sign.
Far Right on Overturning Social Studies Curriculum
(Community Matters) Far Right (read bigoted social conservatives) are arguing that Thurgood Marshall and Cesar Chavez aren't important enough historically to be included in Texas' social studies curriculum. Dallas Morning News article
Lest women (including many straight ones who abandoned the LGBT community when Rep. Rose voted against gay adoption and for "defense of marriage") feel safe, they are recommending excluding Anne Hutchinson as well.
There are a couple of other identity groups who easily cast off concerns about LGBT equality despite their own vulnerabilities, but I'll stop there today.
Lest women (including many straight ones who abandoned the LGBT community when Rep. Rose voted against gay adoption and for "defense of marriage") feel safe, they are recommending excluding Anne Hutchinson as well.
There are a couple of other identity groups who easily cast off concerns about LGBT equality despite their own vulnerabilities, but I'll stop there today.
btw, this isn't a rant on Rep. Patrick Rose. He's recanted and pledged his support for LGBT equality. Might be in part b/c I'm 34 hours tobacco free, but reading the article reminds me how so many left us standing alone when we were attacked and vulnerable
Baby Skaters -
(Community Matters) Way cute
reminds me: while we were in Hong Kong, I purchased an Evian at 7-11. It did not taste right, probably a knock off. ST looked at me doubtfully. But, when we returned to our room and he could taste test against another bottle, he agreed. Hmm, wondering if we get counterfeit products here without realizing
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Arts Entrepreneurs
(Community Matters) Graham Reynolds, Shawn Sides, Kirk Lynn, Carrie Fountain (all four Rude Mechs company members), Michael & Rachel Feferman (C3 Productions), Katie Pearl (director), Steve Moore (playwright & biz entrepreneur), Matthew & Glenda Hinsley (performing artists & nonprofit entrepreneur) & Michael Mitchell (playwright) - what a terrific dinner party list.
We'd been trying to get together with each for sometime, even better all together. Super conversations about art, the business of art, the creative process and more.
We'd been trying to get together with each for sometime, even better all together. Super conversations about art, the business of art, the creative process and more.
Jack McDonald Fundraising
(Community Matters) Evidently I earlier tweaked another candidate's sensitivities when I blogged about self-funding - wasn't meant personally. I'm undeclared in the race for US Senate.
And, in answer to the question about Jack McDonald's fundraising, I don't think any of the reported total includes self funding - other than perhaps a contribution to open bank accounts. Obviously, he has the capacity to substantially self fund, and I expect he will do so - though he hasn't to date. Posted from my blackberry
And, in answer to the question about Jack McDonald's fundraising, I don't think any of the reported total includes self funding - other than perhaps a contribution to open bank accounts. Obviously, he has the capacity to substantially self fund, and I expect he will do so - though he hasn't to date. Posted from my blackberry
David Brooks on Dignity
(Community Matters) David Brooks yesterday lamenting the decline of dignity.
When George Washington was a young man, he copied out a list of 110 “Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.” Some of the rules in his list dealt with the niceties of going to a dinner party or meeting somebody on the street.
. . . . But the dignity code itself has been completely obliterated. The rules that guided Washington and generations of people after him are simply gone.
. . . . But it’s not right to end on a note of cultural pessimism because there is the fact of President Obama. Whatever policy differences people may have with him, we can all agree that he exemplifies reticence, dispassion and the other traits associated with dignity. The cultural effects of his presidency are not yet clear, but they may surpass his policy impact. He may revitalize the concept of dignity for a new generation and embody a new set of rules for self-mastery.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
McDonald Breaks 1st Quarter National Record
(Community Matters) Jack's campaign is reporting breaking another record in his race for LBJ's old seat
AUSTIN, Texas (July 7, 2009)—Momentum continues to build for Jack McDonald’s anticipated run for US Congress from the 10th District of Texas, as the McDonald for Congress Exploratory Committee announced today that it has raised a record-setting $634,000 in the four months since the Committee was formed. McDonald, a successful self-made businessman, has yet to announce his candidacy officially or hold a single formal fundraiser.
McDonald has been setting fundraising records that are garnering national attention since he formed his Exploratory Committee in February 2009. McDonald raised $312,000 in the first quarter of 2009, more than any other Democratic Congressional challenger in the country. The campaign will report on July 15 that it has raised over $322,000 in the second quarter, which will likely keep McDonald at the top of the national fundraising list for the second consecutive quarter. McDonald will report over $550,000 in cash on hand as of June 30.In addition, in a June 5 article in the National Journal, the executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee referred to the 10th District of Texas as a top 10 race in the nation for 2010.
“We’ve been listening, and Texans are telling us in no uncertain terms that they want leaders with real-world experience who will put aside partisan politics to focus on creating jobs, improving education and healthcare and keeping Texas competitive in the global economy,” said McDonald. “I am truly honored to have the support of Republicans, Independents and Democrats in the District who want independent, fiscally-responsible leaders who will do what’s right for the District, Texas and our country.”
“Jack’s momentum and strong fundraising success make this District a key pick-up opportunity for Democrats," said DCCC Chairman, U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen. "Texans are looking for a leader with real-world experience who will work with both Democrats and Republicans to solve our country’s challenges."
McDonald rose from humble roots to become a successful businessman, building and leading Perficient, a Texas-based, publicly-traded, global high-tech company with more than 1,200 employees. McDonald also serves as Vice Chairman of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the State of Texas Emerging Technology Fund for the 15-county Central Texas region and Chairman of the Board of PeopleFund.
### Incumbent Michael McCaul has responded clumsily to McDonald’s challenge, making several notable missteps. Most recently, McCaul alienated many centrist Republicans and Independents by featuring divisive radio host, Rush Limbaugh, at an elite fundraising event. Limbaugh works for McCaul’s father-in-law, Clear Channel Communications owner, Lowry Mays. The Limbaugh controversy came after McCaul was forced to repudiate press reports disclosing that he was trying to gather support for a Texas State Attorney General campaign. A May 28 story in the Austin American-Statesman reported that “Republicans monitoring his (McCaul’s) political health may feel antsy about McCaul’s chances of re-election.”
Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince
(Community Matters) I'm not really keeping up with the Michael Jackson activities, but news of the new Harry Potter premiere in London is extraordinarily exciting!watch this trailer by clicking triangle near bottom
opening July 15 in Austin
Regulators May Limit Oil Futures Speculation
(Community Matters) NYTimes article reports the Commodities Futures Trading Commission may limit energy futures contracts for financial (aka not commercial users) investors. Added context to Rolling Stone's article on Goldman Sachs - though if I remember correctly, they have an operating entity which may allow commercial trading privileges.
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