This morning I had breakfast with President Faulkner and about twelve other people as part of the University Interfaith Council. Among one of the topics discussed was the new hotel and conference center and the possible impact on the services and ministries of the various campus ministry programs.
Players’ came up and it was obvious that it probably isn’t his favorite place to eat. The hotel, according to him this morning, will be built using a single footprint for the hotel and garage at the location bounded by MLK, Whitis and University (he was unclear as to the northern boundry- it sounded like maybe even as far north as the lot directly south of the UCC?). The revised plan, with the garage under the hotel, is not ideal, more expensive and less functional than the original Players’-closing plan.
On a personal note, it was a little weird hearing him talk about it. I highly doubt he remembers my name from the press regarding it (assuming he heard it in the first place) but it was weird to be in conversation with him about it.
faulkner probably isn’t a fan
it is hot outside
In Austin, TX, the current temperature is 107°F. The record was 98°F.
This is when walking home is the most painful.
laptop failure
My laptop is going to laptop heaven soon. I’m having various severe problems that will take more time and money than the laptop is worth to fix.
My current thoughts on a new computer?
Laptop or desktop? (90% set on laptop)
A small one or something more moderate (those 12 inch ones are tempting).
Thoughts?
not safety but pastoral concern
We ended up rescheduling our pledge retreat for this weekend. While weather would not have been an issue, we realized that we had guys with families in town and some other concerns existed. With all of that in play, we opted to push back the retreat.
We have a rescheduled date that our retreat site told us would work earlier in the day, but we want to confirm it solid with them before releasing it.
The alternate plan seemed to go over well.
rita is approaching
Although Austin is 150 miles away from the coast, we’re still watching this storm and preparing in case it hits us. (Remember, Jackson, MS lost power for 10 days and just as far inland).
Yesterday, I announced that the Lambda pledge retreat could be cancelled and rescheduled if severe weather made it to Austin. As time passes, it appears that Hurricane Rita is slowing down enough to not impact the retreat. “Official” word won’t be made until tomorrow afternoon to be safe.
It looks like we’ll be housing some friends-of-friends who evacuated the area.
Bishop Aymond of the Diocese of Austin has released information to assist parishes with any possible impact. This information includes his request that if the Red Cross or any state agency asks to use church facilities, we should attempt to fulfill the request to the best of our ability.
Hopefully, we’ll get only a little wind and a little rain here.
