takin' a ride on the racism LOLlercoaster

Thank God (the Christian one)!! A brave, American-patriot has come forward to reveal the truth about that tricky Barack Hussein Obama bin Ladin. And, basically the truth is: BLACK MUSLIM MUSLIM MUSLIM MUSLIM COMMUNIST 9/11 9/11 9/11!!!

The post titled Freedom's Enemies begins with our brave patriot explaining; "Barack Hussein Obama is an African-American who has not shared the black American experience and, by birth and blood, a Muslim for at least 31 years. His politics are rooted in Marx and socialism. He is a master at shaping his own mythology and completely unqualified to be Commander in Chief."

He then provides us with a timeline that documents Obama's grandfather's infidelities and Islamics, his father's infidelities, alcoholism and corruption (at the time of Barack Senior's alcohol-related death he was married to three women, had close ties to loose women and had sired up to eight children!!!!) and, did you know that Obama hates white Christians and is totally a devout Muslim?

The best (worst) part about this might be the comments section. Some choice reader comments include:"Yup, Senior is a believer in that four wives Muslim thing." ... "Obama swaps drugs for Marxism." ... "Angry, Hateful Black Man" ... "This guy is a hard-core, Marxist, black man."

I mean seriously, thank God we have good Christians like this to protect us from those mean old Muslim hatemongers.

Spring '08's Fashion Faux Pas: Irony

In the January 31 New York Times Style Section, in an article ominously titled "The Newly Uptight", Stephanie LaCava predicted that a "meticulously tailored look that evokes the White House years of Jacqueline Kennedy" would not only find its way onto Fashion Week's cat walks, but might even have enough staying power to replace the slightly unkempt, Warhol-esque looks that have recently dominated American fashion.

While it may or may not be interesting or even relevant that some trend-setters are wearing a new (or at least refurbished) silhouette, what is interesting is the spirit with which these styles are reportedly being designed and worn. These retro flourishes apparently do not come with wry commentary, whimsy, a wink or a nod. That's right, they are Non Ironic. LaCava alarmingly describes one sedately dressed fashionista who "has embraced the fashions of the Kennedy years without irony" and quotes a retail analyst that explains that these fashions are "harkening back to a day before there were issues." Before issues?

LaCava explains that the past "calls strongly to the present, as the country grows nervous about possible recession and a diminished role on the world stage, even as Americans seek optimism through their presidential candidates" and that the 50s and 60s call so loud because "in retrospect[they were] interlude of prosperity and stability". Hmmm. Maybe we can all just ignore the paranoia, repression and turmoil that defined that 50s and 60s and nostalgically look back, thinking fondly of how nice it was to have money to spend on Opera gloves. It seems to me that many Americans (Presidential candidates especially) have created a genealogy of American Values (aka "Family Values") and have (ironically) located the 50s and 60s as a time when these ideals were exemplified. I guess it was only a matter of time before we all started dressing that way (again).

While LaCava explains how bandeau bras, circle skirts and cinched waists reflect the "seamless appearances and tony aspirations of midcentury Middle America" she does not attempt to critique the figure of the 50s house wife or think about how corseting as a fashion trend might relate to cultural attempts to control womens bodies (did our mothers and grandmothers burn their bras for nothing?), or even ask, isn't Jacqueline Kennedy as Ironic as she is Iconic? Can you do White House Jacqueline Kennedy straight? In retrospect, aren't those buttoned up jackets and white gloves just a little bit sad?

I get it, thats not really LaCava's job. And, really, for a fashion article, this one has a surprising amount of context, and is a pretty good read. The scary thing is that it seems she did a fine job of reporting this trend. The interwebs are filled with tailored, demure images from last weeks fashion shows: retro looks offered earnestly, like quotations without puns. The tastemakers have spoken, and irony is out... and I suddenly lose all interest in fashion.

Romney drops out of race, I lose all interest in national politics

Mitt Romney dropped out of the presidential race yesterday. I knew he couldn't win, but I really liked having him around. He's the type of candidate that former senator Rick 'homosexuality = incest' Santorum endorses. He's the type of candidate who lets your baby spit up on its future. He's the type of candidate who believes in a religion that has magical mystery unicorn underwear. And now, most importantly, he's the type of candidate who is not going to be president of the United States.

Enjoy this picture of Jenna Bush epitomizing the term "drunken cliché."

Supa Dupa Fly

It's Super Tuesday again. A name perhaps more properly attributed to a department store's bargain basement blowout sale is instead assigned to one of the most important days in our ever so democratic nation. I know we're all supposed to look at (cue ear muffs for Kucinich) viable candidates like Obama and Hilary in an effort to save our sorry nation from another 4 years of republican rule but wouldn't it be great if voting in politics didn't involve so much...politics?

Fact!: there is another democratic candidate left in the race. Mike Gravel espouses and practices ideals most closely in alignment with such political powerhouses as MoveOn.org yet we see the same politicking as always in our Target or Walmart presidential races. Gravel is a bit too likely to actually fight for things like women's rights, environmental preservation, drug reform and universal healthcare. His mom and pop shop is easily steamrolled by the corporate backed juggernauts. In a perfect world Gravel would be a viable candidate and an African American woman.