Obama's First 100 Days

Polling at 75% and enjoying the benefits of relative Democratic unity, President Obama has just announced his new budget for the next fiscal year. In order to "rein in spending" and cut the deficit in half, Obama has proposed a massive overhaul of the federal budget. In what is being a "transformational" budget. Instead of simply continuing the national process of budget proposal and confirmation (along with several C.R.'s along the way), Obama's new budget is changing the very nature of national spending. While cutting spending for superfluous programs deemed unnecessary for national welfare, this budget proposes massive spending increases in healthcare, education, and sustainable energy. In addition to the Economic Recovery Act just spear-headed by President Obama, this budget proposes spending which supercedes that of most every previous administration. Arguing that without increased investement the recession will only deepen, President Obama has made the message of his first 100 days- change. And this is not superfluous change either; the changes proposed in both this new budget and recovery act are far-reaching. With potential impacts across the country, the sucess of President Obama's plans will most certainly help lift the United States out this current recession. The only question which now remains is the speed with which these changes will become visible. We can only hope that in the wake of such pressing economic issues Congress will be able to pass this budget as fast as possbile.

Top Chef Revisited

Yes! Carla finally blew the socks off of the judges. With a new car and the momentum that accompanies a semifinal win, Carla is incredibly well poised to win the final elimination challenge next week. Unfortunately, this week also saw a fan favorite leave forever. Fabio, the Italian sensation, did not deliver on his creole dishes/cocktail and was sent to "pack his knives and go." Accompanying Fabio was Jeff; you know, the chef from Miami's Ritz who likes to over complicate every dish. Actually, I really felt sorry for Jeff this time. Having beat out several other chefs to win a spot back in the competition, Jeff never got to see the fruition of his comeback with a possible win. And lastly, come on. Stephan is still there! In the back of my mind I thought maybe, just maybe, his overly obnoxious behavior could get him booted. I mean he completely missed the mark this time. So, as we look forward to next week we can only hope that....

1. Stephan stops being an overly obnoxious jerk
2. Hosea (the only contestant not mentioned above) finally pulls of something distinguished
3. Or, of course, Carla wins.

Playlist: Road Trip

I'm taking a ride up to Boston this weekend, and thought I'd celebrate by creating a playlist for songs I think are perfect for car rides.

The Republic Tigers- "Buildings and Mountains"
Au Revoir Simone- "A Violent Yet Flammable World"
Gipsy Kings- "Volare"
April March- "Chick Habit"
Asa- "Jailer"
The Beatles- "All You Need is Love"
Calle 13- "No Hay Nadie Como Tu"
The Fratellis- "Flathead"
Hope 7- "Breakthrough"
The Red Hot Chili Peppers- "Road Trippin"
Vampire Weekend- "A-Punk"
Shakira ft. Wycleef Jean- "Hips Don't Lie"

More New York Fashion Week: Diane von Furstenburg

I would probably maybe kind of wear all the clothes in this collection given that I have the money to do so. Which I don't, but that doesn't stop the clothes from being any less fabulous.



Diane von Furstenburg named her collection "Nomad," and then went crazy with the fabrics, including everything from leopard print to tarten to camouflage. The remarkable thing about it, though, is that the craziness of the fabric is recognizable, yet so subdued. She included plenty of her signature wrap dresses in the collection. Along with cozy knits, leggings, and other autumn-appropriate attire, she really drives home the patterns. Style.com writes, "Von Furstenberg is betting that in 'times like these,' what a girl really wants is a little pizzazz." And pizzazz we recieve, as von Furstenburg reveals her finale to be a fluid, metallic jersey dress, reminiscing on her Studio 54 days and leaving us with a feeling of timelessness.

Top Chef- the Suspense Heightens

Okay, so many, if not all of you (hopefully) have shared my excitment at the amazing course of events which has led to tomorrow night's season finale for Bravo's reality show Top Chef. Currently in its fifth season, the show gives talented chefs the opportunity to win $100,000 to use to further their individual desires in the culinary world. However, unlike shows like Hell's Kitchen where the chefs have really no idea what they are doing, Top Chef is full of masterful chefs with years of experience. Many have graduated from the nations most prestigous culinary school: the Culinary Institute of America (yes, that is abbreviated the C.I.A.). Over the years, the show has featured caterers, resturanteurs, personal chefs and executive chefs from across the country. This year, however, the show hosted its first European chefs- Fabio and Stefan.

While the build up to tomorrow's last elimination challenge has no doubt exhibited several skilled chefs, it is safe to say that only the best made it to the New Orleans finale. Here are the finalists:

Stefan- basically a giant German jerk. Stefan enjoyed hitting on Jamie, an open lesbian, and has alienated the entire Top Chef kitchen. However, at the same time, Stefan's relative perfection in his culinary technique has earned him respect from every judge. (Aside: While I personally hate Stefan, it is impossible to overlook the fact that his food looks and, probably tastes, delicious). In the last several episodes however, Stefan's culinary prowess has been threatened. In fact, he was almost eliminated during the last challenge for over-cooking salmon.

Carla- a.k.a. the crazy one. While sometimes eccentric, Carla has been known to deliver on deserts. Her beautiful crusts have in some way entranced the judges while her simplicity and focus on individual elements of her dish has helped her to rise to the top in the last few challenges, pretty much unseating Stefan.

Fabio- the italian. Loved for his "adorable" accent, Fabio is the best Italian cook on Top Chef, period. While known to make carless errors, during the "Last Supper" challenge his wonderful lamb earned him the top prize from a panel of distinguished judges (Note: at the time he had just broke his finger, so this was quite an accomplishment).

Hosea- ughhhh. Hosea is pretty much the least distinguished chef left. Generally disliked by the judges during the last several episodes, Hosea had previously "cuddled" with Leah despite having a girlfriend at home. Obviously, this encounter caused its fair share of ruckess. Honestly, I really don't want him to win. C'mon he's boring compared to the heavyweights above.

So I hope that you enjoyed your summary of the last several episodes in preparation for tomorrow's finale. I don't want to give away my preference necessarily.......but

Go Carla!

Léger, Preen, Walker: NYC Fashion Week Begins

So Fashion Week snuck up on me this year. One day, I'm off to see the remake of Friday the 13th, and the next, people are showing in NYC. Already, three designers have been critically acclaimed: Hervé Léger, Preen, and Karen Walker.

Although two models tripped at the Léger show, the clothes were still amazing. There were bright colors and new prints, and everything was fantastically fitted, as always. Léger is famous for the bondage dress, and while that was included in the show, 'new and novel contrasting fabrics and edgy cutouts' made it a lot more interesting. Critics say that Azria (designer for Léger) "kicked it up an edgy notch" via intense shoulders, and the Léger show "deserved the applause the starlets gave it."

Preen's show can be descibed in two words: futuristic sexy. The dresses were racy (but in a good way) and adorned with neon colors that matched the theme of the label: "Bright Young Thing–meets–Brave New World ethos." Appliqué and cutouts can often be done very wrong, but despite Preen not being everyday clothing, it should look fabulous for events.

Karen Walker took the word 'cracked' and ran with it. Referring to a dry land, she applied this visual demonstation to "fractured" pants, literally. Her collection included more dresses than usual, but the seperates are what caught the critics eyes, saying the separates "hit that perfect boy-meets-girl sweet spot," accoring to British Vogue.

Developments in Iran

A map of Iran courtesy of google images.




In a suprise move, Muhammad Khatami, a relatively old but incresingly progressive reformist cleric, declared his intentions to run against current Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in June's presidential elections. Ahmadinejad, famous in the West for his aggressive and almost arrogant persona, has lost the popular support of many Iranians as his massive public works projects, desigend to bolster the poor, have actually led to widespread inflation. In the aftermath of this spike in inflation, the middle class of Iran, famed for their moderate nature, has lost their purchasing power. Obviously, this development has angered many of these middle class Iranians. In this charged political climate, it is now possible that a more progressive leader could seize the reins of Iran's government. It is even possible, that, in order to maintain Iran's delicate theocracy, the Grand Ayatollah Khameini might lend his support to a candidate other than Ahmadinejad.



Obviously, the rising popularity of reformist candidates among middle class Iranian citizens who feel overly restrained by Ahmadinejad's conservative regulations of personal behavoir has most likely put Ahmadinejad on edge. While the US has a vested interest in the election of a reformist Iranina president- including the possibility of freer negotiatons as well as the notion of a nuclear-free Iran- it cannot attempt to take any action within Iran. To, even secretly, attempt to manipulate the Iranian elections in the favor of Western interests, would certainly destroy any hopes of modernization in Tehran. Instead, the influential Iranian middle class could very well radicalize if they felt any pressure from American interests.



In today's geopolitical climate, one filled with anti-American rhetoric abounding abroad, even the remotest possibility of a moderate Iran is cherished. Who knows, come June, the US and President Barack Obama may indeed have sustained negotiations with Iran over their nuclear program for the first time in many years.

She & Him- I Put A Spell on You

For Valentine’s Day, a bunch of artists got together and covered love songs on an album called Sweetheart. Among them are Katy Perry’s cover of “Black and Gold,” songstress Jem’s stunning cover of Coldplay’s “Yellow,” and, my personal favorite, an almost a capella version of “I Put a Spell on You” by She & Him. Check it out!

Life in Plastic

Last night, Joss Whedon's latest attempt at television, the eerie sci-fi series Dollhouse, premiered on FOX. And eerie it was. The show tells about Echo (Eliza Dushku), who is a a so-called Active who has her memory and personality erased and replaced for client's pleasures and needs. In the series premiere, Echo recieves the personality of a cold, experienced kidnapping negotiator, even though in reality, she is not. The show's setting, the titular Doll House, resembles a spa more than a laboratory for illegal scientific experiments.

Although last night's episode was a little dry, and filled with stock characters in minor roles, the series offers a lot of potential, and Dushku appears to be just warming up. hopefully Whedon decides to explore the ethics of the Doll House and Echo in future episodes. After all, the show is as blank a slate as Echo's mind is.

Say Hi To Mommy For Me... In Hell!

I’m kind of on the fence about remaking horror movies. Or any movie at all, really. But I decided to go into Friday the 13th with an open mind. As a result, I was bombarded with boobs, blood, and plenty of hockey masks.

Let me just start off by saying (spoilers if you have not seen the original) that Pamela Vorhees is not a scary villian. Oh yes, she’s a little freaky in a my-child-has-just-been-murdered-and-now-I-seek-revenge type of way, but certainly can’t be placed with slashers like her son Jason, Michael Myers, or Freddy Krueger. This new edition made Jason scary. A lot of movies tend to try and make him a tragic character, and while what happened to him was tragic, it doesn’t work in a teenager slasher movie. This new movie did a good job of making him frightening. This Jason takes the scary quality of silence and and the equally frightening ability to run (unlike Michael Myers). He’s vicious and quick, and he certainly knows how to kill. However, eventually this gets old. In fact, six characters are killed off before the title appears on screen.

Bree (Julianna Guill) gets some unwanted company.

You have to admit it: the original was very campy. It was poorly acted, and the visuals were bad. The only thing that kept the plot going (and what little plot there was) was hoping to figure out who the killer was. And even that was a letdown. The remake doesn’t really have a plot, either- it is more of a slasher with a typical formula. Teens get hunted down and killed. And this movie doesn’t try to elaborate on this idea. It does, however, have decent acting and an actually scary villian, a step up from the original.

What bothered me most about the movie was the sex. I understand that sex sells, but there was a bit too much of it, and it was mostly unnecessary. It brought the movie down to a vulgar level at some parts, and drew away from the horror.

Despite its weaknesses, ths movie was still glossy, gory fun. This movie wasn’t about new ideas. It took a classic horror movie that most people in the younger generation know only by name, and updated and glorified it.

Gas Taxes

Some argue that gas taxes would only exascerbate the current economic downward spiral. I, howeverer, believe they are an integral part to "stopping our dependence on foreign oil."

The reason for global warming as well as frivolous fossil fuel usuage has been the efforts of OPEC members to keep prices as artifically low as possible in order to prevent focuses on conservation. The US government needs to take drastic measures to increase the price of gas in order to drive home to the American people the absolute necessity of gas conservation. Such action would, in addition, help to focus private sector interest into alternative energy industries.


In case anyone was wondering.....this post was pretty much a reaction to a West Wing episode.

President Obama's First Primetime News Conference

Okay so since this conference just ended, I'm gonna review it by using some nice bullets....

• First off I think it is absolutely amazing that our President actually came to us as a nation to explain the economic situation we face. I was also proud to see he mentioned that sacrifice and hard work will be necessary. In a way, this announcement finally validated claims of a nation-wide recession. Unlike President Bush, who never really addressed the nation to tell us what he wanted us to do in order to combat falling economing indicators, President Obama started his administration off by connecting directly with the electorate.
• Second, o my god the Washington Post asked a question about AROD!!! I have no idea why such an influential paper would use a primetime television slot to inquire as to the President's feelings over SPORTS! In a time where millions are struggling to simply get by, a question which ignored the recession demonstrated a disconnect with the American people which was incredibly irritating to me.
• 3rd, while I personally agree with his statement, President Obama should not have said that he would fire bad teachers specifically because of fallout from the Democratic base of the teacher's unions, which he will need eventually to institute a new education policy anyway.
• Lastly, please someone tell me why FOX News couldn't have been ignored?! Okay, okay I realize there is some bias in this particular statement but whatever.
• Okay I lied, but really this is my last point, it really annoys me that Republicans are not simply going along with this stimulus plan. I mean the only reason they have not to go along with a bill which gives money back to tax payers is a desire to have something to attack Democrats for during the 2010 midterms. ( Seriously, don't Republicans love tax cuts and stuff like that anyway??? ) In a time where bipartisanship is paramount, Republicans need to get down off of their high horse, realize that they do not a majority and stop politicizing such an essential and absolutely necessary piece of legislation!

Okay so there's my two cents.

The New Common Sense

While some may think of common sense as "street smarts" and other may automatically think of Thomas Paine's revolutionary pamphlet, we have a new example to think of....as of today.

Okay, so here's what happened. President Obama declared that any top executive whose company receives stimulus funds will have his (or her) income capped at $500,000. President Obama says that this is an example of common sense thinking. In fact, I am absolutely in agreement with the President. Thank goodness. Someone finally stood up to big business and ruled that they must suffer this economic downturn along with the rest of us. It's high time that these corporations stop having freakishly large "corporate retreats" for hundreds of thousands of dollars or giving $10 million bonuses to executives. What I find infuriating is that these executives didn't do ANYTHING to deserve extra money. In fact, their actions completely justified a cut in their income. I am incredibly happy with my government for finally installing some conditions into their $900 billion stimulus package.

A Good Opening Theme is Hard to Find

These days, it's hard to find a good television opening theme. Some shows, such as My Name is Earl, simply say the title, and others, like any reality show, show clips of the actual show. However, occasionally, you find a few gems hidden in with the rest of the bland openers out there today. These are some of my favorite, in countdown order.

5. Fringe
While Fringe's opening doesn't strive for anything new (it starts and ends quickly), it features a piano instrumental so chilling that, when paired with supernaturally scientic words, it sets the scene perfectly for this disturbing science drama.


4. Mad Men
This shorter opening is similar to a strange drug trip, or a hallucinatory journey through a professional's life in the 1960's. It is chic, as is the series, and shows the slowly overwelming world of both single and married men and women.


3. Dexter
While I have never seen this series personally, I know the gist of it, and the opening is supremely creepy. It blurs the line between reality and horror, until fried eggs, shaving, and other morning routines are fantastically disturbing.


2. Dead Like Me
This series (now off-air) about living "Reapers" uses dark humor, and it's opening exemplifies that fact. Featuring Grim Reapers as everyday people, it shows that even death, sometimes, can be funny.


1. True Blood
True Blood, like many subscription-channel shows, has a longer opener than most broadcast ones. The series, which is about a girl who falls in love with a vampire in the Lousiana bayou, uses it's opener to set the scene for this modern-day Southern gothic. It is sexy and scary, shows the division between races, and singular images like a slow-motion snake attack and cigarette smoke being inhaled (an exhale shot in reverse). It paints a picture of the gothic South. It features an appropriate song for the series if not the opener, Jace Everett's "Bad Things," and ends on a note of blurred lines, something that looks like a baptismal but could easily be a drowning.