Archive for February, 2009
Two dresses from last night's Oscars Michelle Obama should have worn to the Inaugural balls
Last night’s Oscars were a look into some of what else was available to Michelle Obama to wear to the Inaugural balls a month ago — as all the same designers who courted her plied Hollywood’s award show crowd with largely the same gowns. Whatever didn’t make it to Washington in January showed up in Hollywood last night.
Which still doesn’t help us understand why Michelle chose reknown drag designer Jason Wu, most celebrated for his work with RuPaul and America’s most famous transexual, Amanda Lepore — or why she chose to wear this Wilma Flintstone-inspired Yabba Dabba Don’t, when she had the potential for so many fabulous fashion Do’s:
Like, for instance, this beautiful purple dress worn by Alicia Keyes last night:
It’s bare-shouldered, the way Michelle likes (for whatever reason), has interesting texture without looking like coffee filters (see Inaugural gown above), and has a youthfulness that most definitely does not bring to mind anything from Hanna Barbara, or your grandmother’s parlor room curtains.
In a similar shade, this other dress worn by Natalie Portman would have been lovely too:
It’s really two different related tones of lilac, with slight Empire to the waist, and could have looked wonderful with Michelle’s height and tones.
Michelle would have looked stunning in either of these purple numbers at the Inaugural balls.
Someone with great Photoshop skills should do a mockup, because we’ve never seen Michelle in dresses this nice, but really want to encourage her to state wearing more purple, and to consider choices like the ones Alicia Keyes and Natalie Portman made.
She would totally OWN purple the way Nancy Reagan owns red and Barbara Bush owns navy blue.
It really should be her signature color…like in this photo spread Tyra Banks did sometime in November or December:
Michelle Obama looks beautiful in purple, and smiled this weekend
This weekend, Michelle Obama gave a tour of the White House kitchen, showcasing the hard work and expertly run culinary team of Cristeta Comerford, the first female White House Executive Chef (who began work at the White House during the Clinton administration, and became Executive Chef under George W. Bush).
Michelle wore a purple dress that was very flattering on her. As we’ve long said, purples, yellows, and very simple prints (like leopard print) look great on her.
Even better, she smiled in many of the photos taken of her, which was really nice to see, and the purple dress had a simple pattern of spots that was an almost leopard print/purple combination (something we hadn’t thought of for her, but something that looked lovely).
There’s still a weird crease or fold built into the dress at the neckline that’s odd, and the tailoring in the middle is off (and much too tight), but that’s not Michelle’s fault as much as the designer’s. She needs, and deserves, a better tailor. She picked a wonderful outfit for the kitchen tour, and really enhanced it by smiling, treating the people around her well, and seeming to enjoy herself and the privilege of living in the White House (which is America’s house, and all those who live and work in it must never forget they represent all 300 million of us).
Michelle frowned a lot and made faces like this during the tour, too, but did that much less than usual, so it was still a banner day for all concerned in the kitchen.
Michelle has 200 years of very big shoes to fill as the nation’s hostess, and in many ways an ambassador of the good will and soul of the United States. It’s a daunting challenge for anyone, and one many of her predecessors rose to admirably, while others performed with far less grace or enthusiasm than the role requires.
Within the next 10 years, a man will occupy the role of First Gentlemen for the first time, so we’ll have to imagine the faces either Bill Clinton or Todd Palin will make giving tours of the kitchen with Cristeta Comerford in tow. Both, like Michelle, would probably prefer doing other things, but this is what you get yourself into when you marry someone who is, or will be, President of the United States.
It’s one of the few jobs in the White House no one really applies for or is elected to, that of First Spouse — the term we should all really begin using, instead of the outdated and gender-specific First Lady.
In fact, something tells us Michelle might just be the last “First Lady” we ever have. Once a “First Gentleman” comes along, the default term will always be “First Spouse” going forward.
Why not prep for 2012 or 2016 today, and start correcting “First Lady” into “First Spouse” whenever you see it written, the way the PC police on the left enjoy correcting terms they don’t personally agree with?
What's going on in Kansas City?
Here’s something interesting to think about today, in relation to the ratings for last night’s Academy Awards. According to Nielsen’s ratings, the top 5 highest-rated markets were: New York (34.1/49), Chicago (31.2/46), Los Angeles (28.1/44), Boston (27.4/42) and Kansas City (27.1/41).
The top 4 on that list are no-brainers…but, Kansas City?
The Oscars telecast draws its largest audience from women and gay men, so New York (Chelsea and The Village), Chicago (Boystown), Los Angeles (WeHo), and Boston (South End), were expected to be big centers for Academy Awards viewing (and fabulous viewing parties).
But, Kansas City?
Who knew?
For all the hype, and for being "The One", shouldn't Obama's approval be in the 80s at least?
Shouldn't Obama be blowing the rest of them out of the water?
How is it possible that, with all of the media cheerleading behind him, his face on the cover of every imaginable magazine (even Men’s Health, Highlights for Children, Pet Fancy, and Knitting Weekly), and nonstop commemorative propaganda on the airwaves celebrating the “historic phenomenon” that is supposedly Obama, “The One”, he’s only at 63% approval rating.
Shouldn’t he be in the 80s, at least?
Never has there been so much hype propping any president up, and he’s only at 63%? That boggles, because Carter and Kennedy were over 70% approval rating in their first month in office. Obama is actually where George H.W. Bush was in 1989, and just one point higher than George W. Bush in 2001.
That’s stunning.
Just imagine where he’d actually be without all those magazine covers, and without Chris Matthews, Andrea Mitchell, Anderson Cooper, and the rest of the propaganda machine propping him up.
Here’s a breakdown where everyone since Eisenhower was at the end of February in the first year of their presidencies (excluding Truman, Johnson, and Ford, who assumed the presidency unexpectedly, without January 20th inaugurations, and who all had disproportionately high starting points because of national tragedies that propelled them into office):
Obama = 63
Bush = 62
Clinton =58
Bush = 63
Reagan = 60
Carter = 71
Ford = anomalous
Nixon = 60
LBJ = anomalous
Kennedy =73
Eisenhower = 72
Truman = anomalous
Support for Senator Roland Burris
As we’ve said here before, we have many good friends who have known Senator Roland Burris for years, and consider him to be a man worthy of support and defending. Burris continues to be pressured to resign, by people who do not have the power to fire him. Because they want him out of the way to pursue their own agendas. And that’s just not right.
Here’s an interesting essay a good friend and Burris supporter passed onto us. It certainly made us think, so we’re sharing it with you too.
Juggernauts to Political Crucifixions – by Bishop James Wilkowski
The political landscape of the State of Illinois is starting to look like the floors of the slaughters rooms in the old Chicago Stockyards and we seem to have become less squeamish about sending our politicans to their crucifixtions.
The comments I wish to share in these paragraphs are not about the assigning of guilt or the protestations of innocence of Rod Blagojevich or Roland Burris. These words are an expression of my growing fear that we, the family of Illinois, are not doing enough to keep in check a juggernaut mentality that truncates the necessity of a sober and deliberate process of ascertaining acts of political misdeeds or corruption.
The call for the impeachment or resignation of a elected official is a very serious matter and it seems to me more too often that such calls are presented in an irresponsible manner. – with a great emphasis placed upon sensationalism rather than merit. I believe that those who call for impeachments or resignations have the responsibility to do so in a meritorious manner.
Some have proposed that the recent process which lead to the impeachment of Rod Blagojevich ultimately resulted in a political crucifixion of Blagojevich rather than an impeachment. I cannot accept the attitude that regardless if the process was a act of political crucifixion or impeachment – “the important thing is that he’s gone.”
That is not the Illinois way.
A juggernaut is something that once created and empowered, has a mind and will of its own that cannot be contained or controlled. A juggernaut can be as deadly as any force of in nature.
I fear that the juggernaut that took down Blagojevich did not expire the moment after the impeachment was declared official. I believe that it has continue onward with its sites directed at Roland Burris. I hope that it might be possible for us to will the derailment of this juggernaut in order to permit emotional sobriety, together with facts and law, and ultimately answer all questions being aimed at Senator Burris. We must not permit Senator Burris or any elected official to be hounded out of office solely because of drunken sensationalism fueled by the media.
That is not the Illinois way.
If we fail to put aside our juggernaut addiction, our political “Mount of Olives” will soon run out of room.
Our constitutional process provides up with a sound avenue to deal with matters of political corruption and misdeeds. Our constitutional process is in place to prevent any form of vacuums to occur and provide openings for juggernauts to rear up. Let us trust this process to carry us through our questions about Senator Burris.
I believe in the goodness, honesty and integrity of the people of the State of Illinois.
We are NOT like the mob standing before Pilate demanding a crucifixion. We ARE a people dedicated to the process of justice and truth.
Let that be the avenue we travel as we address the questions surrounding Senator Burris.
That is the Illinois way.
Hillary Clinton's Asia Trip: Complete Remarks
The State Department has all of Hillary Clinton’s collected remarks from her Asia Trip online now. It was a successful first trip abroad for the new Secretary of State, with much meaningful dialogue between the US and our Asian partners overseas.
–02/22/09 Online Chat Hosted by China Daily: The U.S. and China Working Toward Clean Energy
–02/22/09 Dragon TV Interview: Developing a Comprehensive, Integrated Dialogue With China
–02/21/09 Dialogue on U.S.-China Partnership on Clean Energy
–02/21/09 Remarks With Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi
–02/20/09 Press Roundtable: Working Toward Change in Perceptions of U.S. Engagement Around the World
–02/20/09 Korean Journalist Roundtable: Toward a More Comprehensive Strategic Relationship With South Korea
–02/20/09 Town Hall Meeting at Ewha Women’s University: Women’s Empowerment Is Key To Progress
–02/20/09 CNN Interview: Reengaging North Korea in the Six-Party Talks
–02/20/09 Fox News Interview: North Korea and the Six-Party Talks
–02/20/09 Appointment of Ambassador Stephen Bosworth as Special Representative for North Korea Policy
–02/20/09 Remarks With South Korean Foreign Minister Yu: The U.S. and South Korea Working Together on Regional and Global Issues
–02/19/09 Briefing En Route Seoul, South Korea: Putting the Elements of Smart Power Into Practice
–02/19/09 Indonesian Journalists Roundtable: Expanding the U.S.-Indonesian Dialogue
–02/18/09 Indonesian Civil Society Dinner: The Role of Civil Society in Building a Stronger, More Peaceful World
–02/18/09 Remarks With ASEAN Secretary General Pitsuwa: Beginning a New Era of Diplomacy in Asia
–02/18/09 Remarks With Indonesian Foreign Minister Wirajuda: Developing a Comprehensive Partnership With Indonesia
–02/17/09 Yomiuri Shimbun Interview: The Importance of U.S.-Japan Relations
–02/17/09 Asahi Shimbun Interview: U.S. and Japan Working in Partnership on Regional Issues
–02/17/09 Town Hall Meeting at the University of Tokyo: The U.S. and Japan Helping To Chart New Courses
–02/17/09 Fuji TV Interview: U.S. Values Relationship With Japan
–02/17/09 NHK Interview: U.S.-Japan Cooperation on Global Issues
–02/17/09 CBS Interview: The Secretary’s Trip to Asia
–02/17/09 NBC Interview: U.S.-Japan Cooperation Essential for Global Recovery
–02/17/09 ABC Interview: U.S., Japan Work Together for Global Recovery
–02/17/09 Remarks With Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone
–02/16/09 Remarks Upon Arrival in Japan: The U.S. and Japan Collaborating To Address Global Concerns
–02/15/09 Overview of Trip to Asia
–02/13/09 Preview of Upcoming Trip to Asia
What's Hillary Clinton Doing Today? February 23rd
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s back from Asia, and back to work at Foggy Bottom. Not even a day off for her. That’s our Hillary.
12:45 – Meeting with The Right Honorable Alex Salmond, MP, MSP, First Minister of Scotland
Go, Hillary, Go!
Secretary of State of the Day: James Buchanan (17th Secretary of State)
Term in Office: March 10th, 1845 – March 7th, 1849
Succeeded by: John M. Clayton
Buchanan began his political career in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1814–1816. He was elected to the 17th United States Congress and to the four succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1821 – March 4, 1831). He was chairman of the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary (Twenty-first Congress). He was not a candidate for renomination in 1830 but served as one of the managers appointed by the House of Representatives in 1830 to conduct the impeachment proceedings against James H. Peck, judge of the United States District Court for the District of Missouri. From 1832 to 1834, Buchanan served as ambassador to Russia.
With his original party of choice, the Federalists, long defunct, Buchanan was elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate to fill a vacancy and served from December 1834; he was reelected in 1837 and 1843 and resigned in 1845. He was chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations (Twenty-fourth through Twenty-sixth Congresses).
After the death of Supreme Court Justice Henry Baldwin in 1844, Buchanan was nominated by President Polk to serve as a Justice of the Supreme Court. He refused the nomination and the seat was filled by Robert Cooper Grier.
Buchanan served as Secretary of State in the Cabinet of President James K. Polk from 1845 to 1849, during which time he negotiated the 1846 Oregon Treaty establishing the 49th parallel as the northern boundary of the western U.S. No Secretary of State has become President since James Buchanan, although William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, often served as Acting Secretary of State during the Theodore Roosevelt administration.
In 1852, Buchanan was named president of the Board of Trustees of Franklin and Marshall College in his hometown of Lancaster and he served in this capacity until 1866.[7]
He served as minister to the Court of St. James’s (Britain) from 1853 to 1856, during which time he helped to draft the Ostend Manifesto, which proposed the purchase of Cuba from Spain in order to extend slavery. The Manifesto was a major blunder for the Pierce administration and greatly weakened support for Manifest Destiny.
The Democrats nominated Buchanan in 1856 largely because he was in England during the Kansas-Nebraska debate and thus remained untainted by either side of the issue. He was nominated on the 17th ballot and accepted, although he did not want to run.[4]
Former president Millard Fillmore‘s “Know-Nothing” candidacy helped Buchanan defeat John C. Frémont, the first Republican candidate for president in 1856, and he served from March 4, 1857, to March 4, 1861.
With regard to the growing schism in the country, as President-elect, Buchanan intended to sit out the crisis by maintaining a sectional balance in his appointments and persuading the people to accept constitutional law as the Supreme Court interpreted it. The court was considering the legality of restricting slavery in the territories, and two justices hinted to Buchanan what the decision would be.
Today in History: February 23rd, (Year One, Day 35 in The Golden Age of Obama)
1455 – Gutenburg Bible published, first Western book printed from movable type
1660 – Charles XI becomes King of Sweden
1778 – Baron von Steuben arrives at Valley Forge to help train the Continental Army
1820 – Cato Street Conspiracy: plot to murder all British cabinet members is exposed
1836 – Battle of the Alamo begins in San Antonio
1847 – Battle of Buena Vista: in Mexico, General Zachary Taylor defeats General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
1861 – President Lincoln arrives secretly in Washington, DC after plot to assassinate him in Baltimore, Maryland
1870 – Mississippi readmitted to the Union
1883 – Alabama is first state to enact antitrust law
1887 – French Riviera earthquake kills 2,000
1903 – Cuba leases Guantanamo Bay to the US “in perpetuity”
1905 – Rotary Club founded in Chicago
1917 – Beginning of February Revolution in Russia
1918 – Men’s Day in Russia, celebrating first Russian victory over Germany
1919 – Mussolini forms fascist party in Italy
1927 – FCC begins regulating radio frequencies
1934 – Leopold III becomes King of Belgium
1941 – Plutonium is first produced and isolated
1945 – During the Battle of Iwo Jima, a group of US Marines and a US Navy Corpsman, reach the top of Mount Suribachi and are photographed raising the American flag.
1945 – Manila, Phillipines liberated by American forces
1954 – First mass inoculation of children against polio with the Salk vaccine begins in Pittsburgh
1955 – First meeting of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO)
1966 – Baath party coup in Syria installs Saleh Jadid’s government
1974 – Symbionese Liberation Army demands another $4 million to release Patty Hearst
1981 – Attempted coup in Spain, with capture of Spanish Congress of Deputies
1983 – Spain nationalizes Rumasa holding company
1983 – EPA announces it will buy out and evacuate residents of Times Beach, Missouri
1991 – US ground troops cross into Iraq from Saudi Arabia, starting ground phase of the war
1991 – Bloodless coup in Thailand, as General Sunthorn Kongsompong overthrows Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan
1997 – Fire on Mir space station
1998 – Severe tornadoes in Florida destroy or damage 2,600 buildings and kill 42
1999 – Avalanche destroys Austrian village of Galtur, killing 31
2005 – First visit of sitting US President to Slovakia
2006 – Dubai Ports World agrees to postpone plans to take over US ports after bipartisan outrage
Is Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in more serious condition than thought?
The subject of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s pancreatic cancer is especially hard for us to think about, and write about, for a number of personal reasons. For one, we adore Justice Ginsburg. She’s the only member of the Court any of us here have ever met, so she’s not just someone from the news or history books who’s ill, but she’s someone we shook hands with once, ten years ago, and who was very nice to us too. It’s hard to think of her in pain, with what some people like Senator Jim Bunning claim is a much more serious illness than the media’s letting on (Bunning claimed today that Ginsburg’s illness will be fatal within 9 months, as he claims Stage 1 pancreatic cancer is fatal in that time frame in a great many cases).
But, also, our dear friend Lionel is suffering from prostate cancer, with a grim prognosis of his own, and our friend Rebecca’s mother has pancreatic cancer too (and is in her final stages).
So, our heart goes out to Ginsburg in so many ways. We really hope Bunning is wrong, and she beats this.
A whole lot of prayers headed her way, and to Lionel and Rebecca’s mom too, sure would be nice.
Can’t hurt, right?
