sty.lis.ta
Androgynous Fashion. Fall ‘09 trend.
Even typically uber feminine celebs are getting on board…
Thandie Newton (far left)
I think that if a true balance between masculinity and femininity can be achieved, the look can really work…for some people…
oh.Bama
As described in Alfred Nobel’s will, one part of his fortune was dedicated to “the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses”.
Yesterday (10/09/09), President Obama was honored as such a person. He received the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize!
(MSNBC) Nobel officials said their stunning pick was meant to build momentum behind Obama’s initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism.
President Barack Obama said Friday he was surprised and humbled to win the Nobel Peace Prize and would accept it as a “call to action” to work with other nations to solve the problems of the 21st century.
The president will donate the entire $1.4 million prize to charity, but hasn’t decided yet which organizations will share the windfall.
Many observers were shocked by the unexpected choice so early in the Obama presidency, which began less than two weeks before the Feb. 1 nomination deadline and has yet to yield concrete achievements in peacemaking.
Some around the world objected to the choice of Obama, who still oversees wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has launched deadly counter-terror strikes in Pakistan and Somalia.
Obama said he was working to end the war in Iraq and “to confront a ruthless adversary that directly threatens the American people and our allies” in Afghanistan.
In Europe and much of the world Obama is lionized for bringing the United States closer to mainstream global thinking on issues like climate change and multilateralism. A 25-nation poll of 27,000 people released in July by the Pew Global Attitudes Project found double-digit boosts to the percentage of people viewing the U.S. favorably in countries around the world. That indicator had plunged across the world under President George W. Bush.
At home, the picture is more complicated. Obama is often criticized as he attempts to carry out his agenda — drawing fire over a host of issues from government spending to health care to the conduct of the war in Afghanistan.
U.S. Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele contended that Obama won the prize as a result of his “star power” rather than meaningful accomplishments… [To that I say, the man has 8 years of damage to repair and he has not even been in office for a year. SIMMER DOWN republicans and CONGRATS to him!]
good.music
So my fave musical group on earth has a new member. Rhea
MTV News reports that the “Everyone Nose” are adding singer Rhea to the line-up. She’ll first appear on the band’s upcoming fourth studio album, titled “Instant Gratification,” set to be released in 2010. The Toronto-raised singer of Guyanese descent, introduced to the group by a mutual friend, auditioned via Skype with a rendition of “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” She soon found herself joining the trio, composed of Neptunes producers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, and Shae.
“The music is very three-dimensional. We’re just really excited,” Pharrell told MTV News. “We feel like N.E.R.D. has always been the punks of hip-hop and the outcasts of alternative music, just a little different. But this time, we’re taking no prisoners.” (AHN news)
One the one hand I am disappointed that a classic group is being altered, but I trust Pharrell’s creative judgment enough to believe that this innovative choice may be a good thing. We shall see…
ran.dom
This past Thursday (9/24), a 16-year-old named Derrion Albert, a student at Fenger High School, was beaten to death by a group of other youths. The incident occurred in a vacant lot next to a community center in Chicago’s Roseland community. An honor roll student, Derrion got caught up in a simmering rivalry between two groups of Fenger students. Cell phone video footage showed a group of teens kicking and striking Albert with splintered railroad ties after the Christian Fenger Academy High School student left school last Thursday. Prosecutors charged four teenagers on Monday with fatally beating Derrion (Chicago Tribune).
I was talking to a friend earlier today about the deplorable state of safety in Chicago. Statistically, these are just a few isolated cases, but goodness, how many more murders is it going to take before people realize that these are actual human lives that are being sacrificed??? On top of that, these are children. They have so much potential ahead of them. And it always seems like the kids being killed are the “good” kids. Occasionally, you will hear about a gang member or some other delinquent being slain (not saying that’s right either), but for the most part it’s the “honor roll student” or the “student with a scholarship to college.” Its so sickening and infuriating…
So here is my theory. And I am aware that it is completely and totally politically incorrect, but if I person has the urge or capacity to murder then they should just kill themselves. It’s as simple as that. That way innocent people can flourish and reach their maximum potential. I know that will never happen, but I’m just saying…
ran.dom
Meet Gwen Thompson.
Her dad took off on the family. Her mom fell on hard times. So now she sleeps in her car and is HOMELESS.
She is the American Girl Store’s newest doll and she is $95.
According to ABC news, the company said that the doll was intended to help children tolerate differences and stand up to bullying.
WHAT, WHAT and WHAT?!?!?!
every.where
Recently my travel cravings have reached an all time high. I have not been out of town (for real) for 6 months and I’m slowly deteriorating…
Therefore, to cheer my self up I perused the internet for travel info. I ran across an article from Forbes entitled, “The Worlds Happiest Cities”. So here they are:
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Sydney, Australia
- Barcelona, Spain
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Melbourne, Austrailia
- Madrid, Spain
- San Francisco, United States (will be there in July for work!)
- Rome, Italy
- Paris, France
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
Rio de Janeiro
Buenos Aires
Rome
Factors that contribute to the happiness (at least among residents): Beauty of city, social environment, affordable housing, government, business opportunities, weather, humor, health care, quality education, etc…I’m the sure the incredibly attractive people also play a role.
No wonder only 1 US city made the list. Whomp…
politically.incorrect
So this thread is inspired by a quote from Katherine Heigl, who said “Don’t apologize for what makes you laugh.” Personally, I find humor in sarcasm, things that are a bit “off” and things that are taboo. Offensive to some. Entertaining to me…
Anyway, last week I was listening to Kiss FM DreX in the Morning, and the topic was “Sugar Daddies.” (Yes, this is a morning talk radio show and I loves, loves, loves it!). The discussion was over whether or not its acceptable for young women to accept money from older men in exchange for “dating” them. Most callers didn’t agree with the concept or act…However, my first thought was ambivalence, as I have never had a sugar daddy or known anyone personally to have one either (at least not by that title). Then I started thinking that maybe these girls are onto something.
With any business model , it is clear that a product (in this case the woman and her time) is marketed towards the target audience/consumer (the male who wants a PYT), with the intention of generating some type of revenue (cash, cars, dinner, clothes, etc). Therefore, is what these women (and some men) doing unethical? Is it really on par with prostitution? Are the men being taken advantage of, or are they the willing consumers?
Plus its kind of hard to feel sympathy towards the men in these situations, especially after looking at this report from Jon Stossel on a website called “Seeking Arrangement”
I think I’ll stick to my day job, and my entrepreneurial pursuits, but to each her own…
en.ter.tain.ment
So I’m kinda excited that my network shows are about to start a new season (primarily The Office and Gossip Girl). Yes GG.
Anyway, I once was an avid fan of Grey’s Anatomy, but it became a little too extreme, yet cliche after season 3, so I abandoned it. However, after watching the last season finale (in which both Izzie and George flat line) I am eager to see the new season (at least the 1st couple of episodes). Even though spoilers have already broadcasted that George dies and Izzie lives.
Despite all of that , another reason why I will be tuning in this season: Jesse Williams
He will be playing a rival resident. He will also serve as Thursday evening eye candy…
good.music
I’ve been in a really big music mood lately, so bare with me with all of the good.music posts.
Jay Z featuring Pharrell Williams. So Ambitious
art.smart
So whenever I am at peace and truly happy I like to draw, paint, sketch, sculpt, etc. Its been almost two years since I did anything *cough Ann Arbor stole my sanity cough*. But I recently finished something.
To give A2 some credit, I was inspired by the shadow of a tree outside of my apartment window. Its all charcoal (very messy btw).
Excuse all of the reflections on the glass and the awkward angle. I haven’t decided where to hang it yet, so it just sits on my bedroom floor…
