March 07, 2010
Oscar Night Looks, 2010
Apparently they are handing out some awards in California. They are also putting on some fancy dresses at that shindig. So far I'd say the highlight of the night is the always fabulous Helen Mirren. As to the worst, Miley Cyrus looked, well, trashy and (expensively) cheap is the phrase that leaps to mind. Between her look and Kristen Stewart's decision to present an award while apparently asleep the producers' decision to put them on stage looks even worse than it did before tonight.
March 04, 2010
The September Issue
After watching this look at Vogue's most powerful I can say that I love Grace Coddington, and I still find Andre Leon Talley utterly ridiculous. This movie was a lot more fun than Valentino: The Last Emperor.
March 02, 2010
There's Shameless and Then There's ... This
Apparently the governor was in town last weekend.
Speaking of receptions, Manchin will be the guest of honor this Sunday when he receives the 2010 Milan Puskar award for public service at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown.
What can one say to that?
"The Rahm Rift"
First Read's analysis of The Rahm RIft doesn't cut to the chase, which is odd given that such sites are typically about little more than who's up, who's down horse-race politics. Either Rahm is incredibly stupid (doubtful), some Rahm allies are incredibly stupid (very possible), or some people are doing a bang-up job trying to get him replaced later this year.
More broadly of course it's generally helpful to policymaking when White House staffers aren't all on the same page (remember the dissent-less Bush White?), though public spats of this sort are something else. And, as we are so often reminded, Dana Milbank's a tool.
March 01, 2010
Is the Obama Administration Ever Going Nominate Anyone to the Fed?
You know, other than giving another term to its originally Bush-appointed leader?
Last I heard it was kind of important. But the two vacancies remain unfilled, and now there'll be a third opening this summer.
February 27, 2010
A Single Man
So I finally saw Tom Ford's first feature (will this be on a quiz in Bobbi Glass's class? well perhaps it should be), brought to us by the Weinsteins. Sadly, I wasn't blown away. Both the direction and the script, which both came from the former head of Gucci, didn't really work for me. That said, there were several pluses to it that made it watchable and sometimes far better than watchable. First, the score is definitely one of the year's best. Beautiful. Second, the art direction (c'mon, the environs of those with no money problems in 1962 - how could that not look good when brought to you by Mr. Ford?). Third, all the actresses costumes. Every single one. Fourth, Julianne Moore. Loved her. Loved her scene. She has the best lines in the movie (I too like the color of a Tanqueray bottle). Fifth, Nic Hoult. Loved him, loved his scenes. Honestly I'd say he was the highlight of the movie as without him it wouldn't have had a pulse whatsoever except for a couple minutes at Ms. Moore's. So there were definite pluses. So it's kind of a shame how a flawed script and heavy-handed direction left me kind of disinterested in the complete product.
From the "Bitches is Crazy" File
Really? Planned Parenthood is the same kind of threat as the National Alliance? WTF?!
February 25, 2010
Comedy
This is the greatest comedy in the history of comedy. I can no longer attempt teh funny anymore; everything else pales in the face of this:
US Missile Defense Agency Changes Logo to Obama~Islamic Crescent Hybrid!
Not even the Onion has managed anything like this.
February 24, 2010
Kagan Will Replace Stevens, Ginsburg Won't Retire
Those are the predictions from Tom Goldstein in this lengthy analysis. His track record on these things is strong. He correctly foresaw the Sotomayor, Roberts, and Alito appointments.
February 22, 2010
Ron Paul Wins the Vote at CPAC 2010
So do I have this straight? The Right, Big Media, and Big Right Media all thought CPAC merited coverage as a meeting of leaders of a movement they see on the rise. But when Ron Paul decisively wins their presidential poll the vote is labeled a meaningless action, albeit one by the largest number of voters ever at a CPAC meeting, from everyone from the Cantor camp to The Hotline. Do we really think that's the story they'd be telling if a Fox or Beltway Boys darling had won that vote? Must suck to be Ron Paul. He's derided as unserious because he doesn't win contests. And then when he does win contests the votes are necessarily unserious because ... he doesn't fit into the moronically simple boxes and personality puff piece journalism that the Ailes, Todds, Limbaughs and Milbanks insist we view politics through?
