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Thanksgiving in Dixie

More photos to come, but this one is so dern cute I had to post it right away.

Here's the video

and, the flickr photostream!

November 28 at 4:04 PM | Comments (1)

First Class Treatment

We made it home today, traveling on Thanksgiving Day usually isn't fun for any of the parties involved. This was an exception. Our flight attendant in first class made sure our mimosa glasses were never empty and we had several warm chocolate chip cookies. As we were preparing to land, she told us that B was gorgeous and that I looked expensive. Then she gifted us with a balloon animal lady bug and two bottles of wine!

So, while we may not have been in Paris, we did manage to squeeze in just a touch of decadence.

Best. Flight. Ever.

November 27 at 6:53 PM | Comments (0)

Stephen Colbert. Last human to truly understand satire?

Please be patient, your prayer will be answered in the order received

November 24 at 7:34 PM | Comments (0)

OH! I'm thankful for....

the fact that January 20 is so very, very close...
Let's remember some of the finer moments...

November 24 at 11:01 AM | Comments (1)

Thanksgiving Week!!!

I'm so excited! B and I are headed to the Heart of Dixie tomorrow to see the folks and have a fantastic visit and the best food on the planet. The only thing is that it's frigid down there...Highs in the 50's and Lows in the 30's. BRRRRRRR! We haven't seen weather that cold here in Austin yet.

Although I put a rosy glow on trips home they usually wind up strangely resembling my favorite holiday movie starring Holly Hunter and Robert Downey, Jr.....Home for the Holidays.

Even though things don't go as planned, families change, traditions disappear and fights may erupt I go back because I love going home. No matter what is going on and how messed up life is, there's just something about that one moment where you get to sit down at the kitchen table with mom and share a piece of pecan pie that can erase any problem in the world.

November 24 at 7:56 AM | Comments (0)

Calling the weekend "good" early

I love it when a weekend seems longer than it is. B and I hosted folks for "game night" on Friday. JM brought tons of food and CH brought tons of champers and so we ate and drank and laughed with old friends and new ones.

Saturday was the East Austin Studio Tour and I'm really digging two artists in particular, Linda Dumont and Joseph Phillips. Overall, the tour reminded me of the vibrant artist community here in Austin. That night we met up with some friends to see some "booger drag" and managed to get home at a reasonable hour and tonight JM is hosting a pre-Thanksgiving frying turkey party.

This will be a short week for us. We leave early Tuesday a.m. headed for the Heart of Dixie for the holiday. It will be a hilarious culture shock for B, and I only wish I could provide video of his reactions.

November 23 at 4:29 PM | Comments (0)

eHarmony shakedown?

The GOP is very upset that eHarmony has been forced to add gay and lesbians to their matchmaking site. "Homosexuals will no longer be denied the inalienable "right" to hook up with same-sex partners on eHarmony." But, eHarmony is not a "hook up" site, it's a site geared towards marriage and long-term relationships. Why would all of the sudden their business model change because they allow gays and lesbians to participate? Curious.

Read the full blow your mind bigotry.

November 21 at 2:45 PM | Comments (3)

Gays Represent!

The YouTube phenom this week is the dude that re-enacts Beyonce's Single Ladies video, and all the response videos.

Dallas Gay Bar S4 is the venue for a Miss Texas pageant, complete with drag queen host.

Nope. No stereotypes here. Keep moving.

November 21 at 1:44 PM | Comments (0)

Free Dr. Pepper!

Dr. Pepper had joked they would give a free Dr. Pepper to everybody in America if Guns 'N Roses got their infamously delayed album released before the end of 2008. (They've been working on it since 1994). The album is set to release, so Dr. Pepper's for everybody.

November 21 at 8:01 AM | Comments (0)

Prop 8

While I'm not going out and protesting Prop 8's passage in California, I did find it interesting to use this search engine of contributors to see just how many people in Austin contributed in support of the Prop 8. Cinemark Theatre's CEO contributed and a boycott is in the works.

For example, Frank Call of local KMI Group gave $10k. Wow, you've really got to hate gays to give $10k to something happening way out in California! And looks like everybody over at Yacktman Financial Advisors were giving money. Whoa! Spencer Wheelright, a marketing manager at Dell, gave $25k! Fascinating.

November 21 at 12:43 AM | Comments (0)

"One throat to choke"

I heard this phrase the other day and I've totally embraced it during my quest to find exactly who is responsible for certain things. I want to know exactly who I can call when a vendor has something that fails or needs attention.

You have no idea how hard it is to get someone to accept responsibility these days. There's not a lot of "The buck stops here" signs on people's desks anymore.

November 20 at 2:26 PM | Comments (0)

Overbook

I don't understand how people can look at my calendar and see I have a meeting and then schedule a meeting for me at the same time? Seriously? This was how my week looked. The overbooking is clearly an issue I need to get my arms around.

November 19 at 5:43 PM | Comments (5)

First, bust the union

More on the auto industry bailout from me. The CEO of Ford asked us all for a loan and GM floats the bankruptcy balloon with dire threats of what will happen if we let the "Big Three" go under. Including the near immediate scarcity of replacement parts for your existing vehicle.

They are not convincing me. Maybe if we were talking about busting up the unions that have a strangle hold on these companies, or requiring them to meet tougher emission standards and build more clean cars and torture the management team I would be listening.

The unions are what destroyed Detroit to a big degree. Their selfish demands for pay increases, higher retirement funding and lower premiums but more extensive health care coverage were short-sighted and expensive. It forces the company to execute a reduction in force, cut back on production, invest less in new technology and innovation.

If we bail out the auto industry, who is next? Retail stores because people aren't shopping wildly and buying things they can't afford anymore? Or maybe we'll have to bail out yacht makers because people aren't buying as many expensive yachts anymore?

With an enormous government deficit looming over our heads already, every penny we have ought to be going to reduce that debt or repairing some of the antiquated infrastructure in this country.

It's time someone stood up and said, "Yo, America. It's rough. I'm sorry to be the one that has to tell you this, but you can't keep buying shit you can't afford. You're going to have to tell your kids 'no' for once." And then march the corporate executives out onto a stage and let us all chuck a rock at them or something.

November 19 at 8:04 AM | Comments (3)

It's the dang ripple effect that will get ya...

I am strongly opposed to any more buyouts. Especially a buyout of the "Big 3 Automakers." I just cannot get behind government money going to bail out these bloated union shops that would not modernize, spent God knows how many millions lobbying congress to hold off on emissions standards so they could continue to build and sell gas-guzzling SUVs, and showed very little innovation in developing alternative energy vehicles or busting the unions that forced them to include off-the-chart medical coverage.

But, if you do that math you seriously have to sit down and consider the effect on the overall economy if we don't bail them out. Between GM, Ford and Chrysler, their suppliers and dealerships you wind up with about 1.6 million people whose jobs are at risk. That's a lot of unemployed people that really don't have any other skills. They can't be absorbed into the workforce and will create a ripple effect on the cities where they live.

It's just maddening.

I think if we take these companies over there should be very strict mandates on executive pay, health insurance plan offerings to employees, serious reductions in force, requirements on building and improving fuel efficiency and creating alternative energy vehicles, and an aggressive payment schedule for them to give us our money back...either that or we all get free cars when they default.

I just find it so hard to get behind these bailouts. I know it probably has to be done, but it ought to be just as painful as the automakers as it is for the people of America that are financially hurting right now to see the government come to their rescue.

November 18 at 7:54 AM | Comments (0)

SNL is back!

Ok, SNL didn't lose its luster after the election. Hilarity!

Beyonce, Paul Rudd and Just Timberlake make a music video.

Continue reading "SNL is back!"

November 17 at 9:57 AM | Comments (0)

And...we're back.

Well, another weekend has come and gone. With B here, I tend to look forward to the weekends more than I used to. I guess it's because I know we'll get to spend time together and do something fun and get this...I left my Blackberry at the office this weekend and didn't even go back to get it! Ah, the sweet relief of not being a workaholic!

We managed to hit up the outlet mall in San Marcos. Outlet is a poor term for this place. Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Nieman Marcus, Armani, Brooks Brothers, Benetton, etc. We inflicted some damage to our bank balance.

Friday night we had "game night" and it will definitely be on our schedule regularly from now on. It was a lot of fun...made more fun by the fact that we went through about six bottles of Veuve.

Holiday season is right around the corner so I hope you've all started reviewing your calendars and planning events, shopping and travel plans because it's going to be here and over before we know it!

November 17 at 7:59 AM | Comments (0)

Protests made it to Austin

Yesterday, over 3,000 people gathered at Austin City Hall to protest the controversial California Prop. 8 which put a ban on gay marriage in the California constitution. The campaign was a bitter one and the push to put the ban in the constitution was largely financed by the Mormons. Interesting that they only represent just over 1.5% of the population of California, but invested more than 50% in the campaign against gay marriage in that state.

No, we did not go to the protest. I'm not making friends in the gay community because I have been outspoken about the protests. I think they are a waste of energy. All this effort across the country should have been poured into grass roots "boots on ground" efforts in California before the election. This, to me, seems like a case of shutting the barn door after the horse got out.

November 16 at 9:51 AM | Comments (7)

Opera FAIL

We went to see "Cindereli" by Gioachino Rossini this week at the Austin Lyric Opera. I'm a fan of opera. However, I'm going to give ths one a not-so-great review.

The opera was based on the classic story of Cinderella, but updated to take place in Hollywood during the Depression. The original tale of Cinderlla was barely visible through the convulations made to the story. (Here's my first critique: Cindarella is a classic, well known story. If you're going to alter it and update it make sure it's still recognizable to the audience. This version was not.)

Additionally, the stage director must have worked for Disney at some point because the moving of sets on and off the stage had a dizzying effect which distracted from the soaring voices of the cast. While watching what should have been a humorous or even emotional song, I was busy watching them roll off some big piece of the set and bring a new piece on stage.

Lastly, no soaring emotional aria at the end to bring the story home and grab me with the happiness for Cindarella's dreams coming true, finding love and forgiving her evil sisters. There was a song, it was just like all the others...the supers had to tell the audience "The End." so we knew to clap.

Oh, and plus the fact that we paid $100 for our tickets and the ALO opened seats and sold them for $25 each so the people around us all got a greater bargain than we did. It's like finding out you paid $800 for your airline ticket and the guy next to you got his for $100. Bitter.

So, as much as I loathe to say it...skip this one. Save your money and go see Rigoletto in January.

November 14 at 7:48 AM | Comments (0)

Dear Wachovia...

Thank you for having your regional service director call me this afternoon to discuss why I had been moving money from your bank and to discuss my last visit to your branch. I'm thankful for the opportunity to tell someone in management on a regional level exactly what I think of your financial institution.

I have been a Wachovia customer for longer than I would personally like to admit I've even had a bank account. This summer I went to your bank to help me with a simple matter. See, I had decided that after nearly ten years without a credit card or any credit at all in my name I might want to get a card and have a little debt so I could buy a house maybe next year. I told you that I understood my credit score might be low since there was no credit and the only things on my credit rating would be ancient. I also reminded you of the several accounts I had at your account and that I had more than enough to put 20% down on a house of my choosing...in cash...in your bank.

Sadly, you would not issue me a credit card...even at a $1,000 credit limit. You decided my "score" was low. I took you at your word and walked a block down the street to another financial institution that provided me with a credit card and was glad to accept a deposit as I began to transfer funds from Wachovia. Wachovia had decided that I was too high of a credit risk, even though my debt to income ratio is non-existent because I have zero debt, own a fairly expensive car outright, am in senior management and had high cash liquidity. My bank let me down in my financial goal of home ownership in the next 12 months.

So, thank you for your call today. I'm glad I get to tell you exactly what I think and exactly why I would sooner give my money to a gambling addict with a drug problem than to your institution ever again. While you deemed me an unacceptable credit risk you apparently provided mortgages for any and everyone that asked. You partied it up as the sub-prime market failed and gave your executives enormous bonuses and then came to the government with your hat in hand when your poor management decisions got you into trouble.

I think you are the among the poorest example of financial stewardship I've ever come across. How could I trust you with even a small fraction of my money, much less all of my money. You might run off to the dog track with it! Promising me riches, but returning empty handed asking me for just another hundred.

So, kindly pass this along. I appreciate you telling me that you are eager to get my business back. But, until hell freezes over and money really does grow on trees you will never see a dime of my money again. Better yet, I'm going to tell everyone I know that you are getting off lucky with Wells Fargo. Too bad flogging is out of style these days.

Please, please stop calling me.

November 13 at 7:19 PM | Comments (1)

Bring me the head of AIG

AIG got yet another bailout from the feds and they had yet another corporate meeting that cost thousands of dollars. Oh. My. God. Are you serious? Seriously? I'm going to have to come down to your office and slap you in the face.

But it only cost $23,000 they say. Ok, let's make this clear...if they federal government gives you a single dollar in bailout there will be no meetings offsite that cost more than ten cents.

November 11 at 7:45 PM | Comments (7)

Social Season! And me without a proper black tie!

The social season is in full gear here in Austin and B and I are having to really review the ol' calendar to see that we aren't over-committed. This Wednesday we'll be headed to the Austin Lyric Opera to see Cinderella. It's the first full season at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, and the 22nd season of the ALO. I'm so excited, I'm back involved in the opera here at B's urging and we are now proud members of the Bravo club.

There are charity events, ballet, and symphony performances that are all on the calendar. Then there's my season passes to the theatre with all their Christmas shows, plus I hope we'll be invited to some holiday parties as well as host our own.

I can't believe how quickly it's here and how suddenly I have multiple events that require a black tie and I haven't owned one in years. Blech. Can I get a tuxedo at Target?

November 10 at 7:02 PM | Comments (3)

The economy continues to TANK (and other headlines I should stop reading)

Today's headlines just keep getting better.

Circuit City files for bankruptcy
DHL lays off 9,500 workers
NY Times cuts pension for employees

The other headlines that are really bothering me is all this Prop 8 stuff. There was a protest in NYC this weekend. Drew Barrymore protested, protests protests and then people on TV talking about how the black community voted in a bigoted way, etc so on and so forth.

SHUT UP. JUST SHUT UP. More than $74 million was spent campaigning for and against this proposition. It passed. Democracy sucks sometimes. It's exactly why these things should not be left to the people, but to the courts. Where was all this outrage? Where was all this vocal OMG this might happen? before the election? JUST SHUT UP.

I think it is awful and hateful what the Mormons did to pour money into this cause, I think it is a serious blow to gay rights in the most liberal of all states. I'm very upset, but I'm over it.

November 10 at 11:07 AM | Comments (2)

A weekend of Theatre

What a great weekend! The weather here was fantastic. Saturday night we went to see Dame Edna at the Paramount and it was a fantastic show.

(Yes, those are Kir Royale's we are drinking. I've pulled him over to the dark side of Veuve.)
Sunday we rode around the city on our bikes for about four hours and then that night went to see Caroline, or Change at the Zach Scott. Whoa is all I can say. It was a powerful musical about civil rights and sorrow in the South in 1963. I openly wept.

My schedule at work seems to be getting back to normal and for that I am thankful.

November 10 at 7:49 AM | Comments (3)

What a beautiful mess

I'm a huge fan of Jason Mraz and I'm currently enjoying his latest CD, , and there are several songs on it that I love. I found the audio but not the video on youtube for Beautiful Mess. It's an incredible song that when I listen to it I just close my eyes and let it take me on its ride. I think when you talk about love, in general, it is a beautiful mess.

Well it kind of hurts when the kind of words you write
Kind of turn themselves into knives

Enjoy.

Here's the official video for one of my other favorites on the CD, Love for a Child. *Warning: If you are a child of divorce, prepare yourself emotionally before you listen to this one. Such intimately familiar words and beautiful storytelling can be dangerous.

November 8 at 9:39 AM | Comments (0)

Dame Edna!

I adore Dame Edna. We'll be attending her performance here at the Paramount on Saturday night. Today I got to attend a meet and greet with her and when she suggested people follow my lead and wear a tie to her show, it has to rank as one of the highlights of my life. Watch (notice how I correct her and say, "double Windsor" (I had a "moment" with Dame Edna!

More hilarious video after the jump

Continue reading "Dame Edna!"

November 6 at 2:21 PM | Comments (1)

This house is blue

As I was walking in from the office this afternoon, the building manager and concierge were looking up at our roof. I joined them and asked, "What are we looking at?" and they explained they were trying to decide on what colors they should make the lights on the roof that night. I answered, "You know, I think blue is a good color. The state may be red, but let's let the world know that Austin is blue." So they did.

November 5 at 11:29 PM | Comments (1)

"Yes We Did"

I am full of pride today as I take time to reflect on the history of last night. Record breaking voter turnout, youth involvement and change. This election was as much a referendum for Barack Obama as it was a referendum against the policies of George Bush. A sad blow to John McCain, whose own career became diminished in the shadow of the Bush policies and divisiveness.

People took to the streets of Austin in spontaneous celebration.

I am hopeful that the politics of hate and ignorance, so thoroughly enjoyed and capitalized on by the current administration, are drawing to a close like a curtain. My hope is that politics becomes less of a "football game" of who wins and who loses at any cost and more thoughtful and contemplative.

We have serious problems in this country and we need serious people to solve them. We don't need pandering to ignorance or the manipulation of the American Christians. We need economic reform, we need foreign policy reform and we need it now. We need to heal the rifts in this country that George Bush used to gain support for his policies and to divide this country across class, race, religious affiliation and sexual orientation.

While I may not support all of the policies Obama will introduce, I am hopeful that a tone has changed. Most of all, I am hopeful.

I was not prepared for how emotional this would be for me. I had not taken into consideration how oppressed I had felt during the last 8 years, today I know. While life has not changed and the sky is not full of rainbows and butterflies, I feel as if everything has changed. I feel hope for a country that will unite instead of divide. A country that will rebuild the middle class, not destroy it. A country that will embrace change and progress, not cower in fear of science and fact. Together we can do anything. Last night we took this country back from the divisive politics of hate. Together we will rebuild America at home and abroad.

As Obama said last night, let there be no doubt that the American Dream is alive and well.

God Bless the United States of America.

November 5 at 6:58 AM | Comments (8)

OBAMA WINS!!! OBAMA WINS!!!!

Much more later. Busy in the studio. Sweet relief, so happy. So very very happy.

November 4 at 10:32 PM | Comments (3)

GOTV

I made a GOTV video!

November 3 at 8:07 PM | Comments (0)

Vote, and watch!

Tomorrow is the big day! Election Day! Don't forget to vote, yo. If you are keeping up with the races, might I suggest kxan.com? They will be live-streaming from the studio all night, live blogging, have live chat with political analysts, and up to the minute results.

November 2 at 1:44 PM | Comments (0)

Pictures of the new house!

We have finally got the place settled enough to show off to you. Here's a picture of the living room. In the stream, forwards and backwards are more photos of the living room, dining room, bedroom and kitchen.

Enjoy! We sure are!

November 1 at 8:33 PM | Comments (5)