Fashion Lookbook!

     I have always maintained that if I designed/ owned a fashion line, my clothes would be some combination of Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Free People, Oscar de la Renta, and Charlotte Ronson. I love flipping through magazines, as my eyes take in the colorful layouts, and piecing together outfits that match current trends or have a common theme. I have always loved bright colors and intricate patterns, so the bright tribal prints that are big now are right up my alley. I also like the relaxed, carefree approach Free People and Urban have, as well as the slightly more polished, more sophisticated looks from Anthropologie, that consistently mix new and old in surprising combinations of colors, stitching, and high quality detail. I like Charlotte Ronson for the playfulness, as well as Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta, perennial successes. Recently, I have taken a liking to Diane Vonf Furstenberg, and DVF's Spring 2009 is incredible. Hence, I have pieced together some magazine scans, runway looks, and ready to wear items from the past few years, and particularly from this coming season, into some snapshots of fashion inspiration. This season, I couldn't help but think that a number of pieces reminded me of the Oaxacan Animal Carvings that my family collects. Carved and handpainted by the Zapotec Indians in Mexico's Oaxaca Valley, the animals are playful and colorful. They are eye-catching and have both a modern and eclectic, or traditional value to them. And if I had the money to blow $50-500 on each one, these "Alebrijes" would take over my house. Here are some of my favorite looks of this season (and of all-time!) 

"Drama Changes Lives." The Office, Summer Heights High and Other TV Highlights

     TV is finally getting back to what it used to be. Even though I should probably be spending hours a night laboring away on schoolwork and memorizing college statistics (i.e. admission rates, student to teacher ratio, majors & minors offered, graduation %, etc.), I continuously find myself on the couch with my bag of carrots. Except tonight I won't have any, because I ate all 11 servings (400 Calories) this afternoon.  You might say, hey, this is way healthier/ less indulgent than the stuff I snack on, but then again, look at the portions. Once I crunch, I can't stop (this doesn't rhyme quite like the Pringles jingle.. but oh well. Pringles jingle also rhymes!) And I should really keep in mind what 'The Skinny Bitch' says; "remember; cows get fat off of grass."

     Anyways, I have been thinking recently that 'LOST' has really regained some of its dignity, although it still has a far way to go. And it was one (heartwrenching) thing to kill Boone off, and then Shannon, and then Michael and Walt left. And then Ana Lucia and Libby. And so on. But it is quite another to replace basically the entire original cast and spend 60 (or 62 according to TV Guide) minutes following some scientist, his gf who died last night, and Desmond. I miss Eko. And Rousseau. 

      Although Desmond is a Scot, so that wins him points. What I'm saying, though, is that once again 'LOST' is in need of a refocus, a reality check, and a couple of episodes where none of the original cast dies. Is that too much to ask? Oh, and I'd also really like if Walt came back. With the Golden Retriever. (BTW, and please know that the abbreviations are A JOKE, Locke lives in Baltimore. Yup, Terry O'Quinn, his elfishly pointy ears, and his piercing eyes have been rumored to frequent Wegmann's, the North Central Railroad Trail, and even Yankee Candle Co. at the mall. Pretty cool, right?) Also, I like Rose and Bernard. A lot, for the record. But 'LOST' never fails to be thought provoking, even if it does stretch one's perception of reality. I hope they tie up some loose ends, but then again I hope the show goes another 10 years.

     Oh gosh, and how great are Thursday nights? FACT: Awesome. 'The Office' has never failed to amuse and educate. The one liners, social issues addressed, and sexual tension are great. Things We Have Learned from 'The Office:' Black bears are best. We will have pancakes (at IHOP) and we'll like it. The best way to seal a business deal is over an Awesome Blossom. Don't tip people for things you can do yourself (see Schrute, Dwight K.) Do, however, tip urologists. The proudest moment of your career can be when a Guatemalan worker asks you to be his child's godfather; and then you fire him. Fool me once, strike one, but fool me twice, strike three. God hangs out in Chili's. If you misspell 'failure' in front of the entire school, you will likely lose to Raj Patel. Blood alone moves the wheels of history! If you're looking to have a good time at a cocktail party, always: 1) check out the chimney's condition. 2) check the smoke alarms. 3) ask for the home's square footage. 4) bring potato salad that has been sitting in your car all day. 5) do not dress like the servants. 6) "arrive early and smart." 7) check for termite damage; significant damage indicates a failed party. 8) check the home's foundation for structural flaws. 9) Be sure to interrogate the host's sleeping son about the wood used to make his rocking chair. 10) Start with the bannisters. 11) Be sure to inform fellow guests that a shrimp's veins are actually feces. 12) Ask your host how much their home cost. 13) Don't leave without introducing your boss/ romantic partner to the company manager. 

     Also, you can make lots of young adult friends by being a creepy old man who runs a fake ID business from your car with a laminating machine that you swiped from the Sherrif's station. Scranton is the Electric City, and is known as such because of the electricity. It is possible to absorb your sibling's fetus and grow up with the strength of a grown man and a little baby. If you are about to do something, think, "would an idiot do that?" If he would, do not do that thing. If you look exotic, your dad was probably a GI. Or at least that is what people will assume. Black pepper snakes are fast. During WWII Japanese prison guards would chose a man to kill whenever a new batch of prisoners arrived. If you're thinking about double crossing your boss, always meet at a diner, so as to keep things inconspicuous. The most romantic place to propose is at a rest stop gas station. Do not attempt to make cheesy pita in the office kitchen; you'll be blamed for starting the fire. Always sign up for online profiles with the username "littlekidlover," to show women where your priorities are. The word 'ship' is hidden inside the word 'leadership,' because that is its derivation. Toby ruins everything. If you are wearing something that your grandfather was buried in, that garment is a family heirloom. 

     Michael Scott's greatest fear is lonliness. Or maybe women. No, wrong; he is not afraid of anything. (Also accepted: snakes.) Only 364 days until the next pretzel day. The best way to make friends is to drive them somewhere, leave them, get in your old school automobile and drive away, making them walk home. Dwight has made really good friends with Ryan and Phyllis this way. Every little boy fantasizes about his fairytale wedding. The best way to lose weight is to buy a tapeworm. From Creed. From Mexico. Bruce Springsteen tickets are a hot item. But I already knew that. The most satisfying way to kill a zombie is to stab it in the brain with a wooden stick. Negative is a good thing in the medical world. And, finally, if you share your birthday with Eva Longoria, you will have a really good ice breaker for conversation, if you ever meet her. For a while, the Scranton crew lost its touch, but of late, it definitely has it back.

     30 Rock follows this up, and is so great it deserves its own column. We already established that Tina Fey had, like, the second best year ever. And finally, my new obsession: "Summer Heights High." This was on HBO until like 2 days ago but was originally a mockumentary series set at a public high school in Australia. It features Jonah Takalua, a troubled Year 8, who has the vocabulary of a Roxbury man after the '86 World Series, and the reading/ writing skills of an unborn fetus. Or at least a very young child. Also, there is Mr. G, the egomaniacal and flamboyant drama teacher, who wants everyone to "spread it" when he takes over the department due to a coworker's family emergency. His resume includes rather unique shows, entitled, 'Ian Thorpe: The Man, The Water, The Music,' and 'Tsunananarama,' a true jewel based on the Tsunami tragedy and set to the theme of Bananarama. This year, SHH follows Mr. G as he plans to scratch 'Anything Goes,' and produce another original, based on a Year 11 who died due to an ecstasy overdose. Mr. G does not know what is crossing the line from appropriate to not and is hilariously oblivious. 

     Finally, there is Ja'mie, yes J-A-apostrophe-M-I-E. She knows, "it sounds random, but you'll get used to it." Ja'mie thinks everything is random, and is from a private school. Her obscene comments and pretentious character are somehow charming, especially when she decides to go out with a Year 7, Sebastian. As Jonah deals with his single parent home life, his Polynesian ancestry, and another Year 7 who tries to show him up in breakdancing, Mr. G's escapades entertain while Ja'mie scales the social ladder. And brings "formal" (dances) to Summer Heights High. The show is vulgar, but refreshingly realistic and funny. It would be an understatement to say I quote it at least 5o times a day.

     And speaking of television, who thinks Blago (impeached Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich) should totally get his own show? He's witty. He is better than scripted acting, because he is unedited and he speaks from his stream of consciousness (a weird stream at that, the likes of which the world has never seen.) He could even invite Oprah to be a guest. And imitate people like Richard Nixon (see interview on 'The View.') And talk about monumental events and historical figures, like Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, oh, and.... himself. He clearly knows the entertainment business well, from Oprah to Jimmy Stewart, and has no trouble living life on the edge, or in the spotlight. 

Why I Am Running the Department of Public Works Out of Business

The plows didn't show up, so after two hours of shoveling...

...we finished their job.

The Awesomeness that is Canton 1.28.09

     I've finally gotten around to doing Canton. As a non-resident, I hope I can do justice to this truly spectacular Baltimore neighborhood. "Rantin' from Canton" was right: this was definitely missing from my older list of Baltimore neighborhoods and restaurants. This week is Baltimore Restaurant Week; unfortunately, the weather, schoolwork, and economy have not been particularly conducive to making full use of this. Nevertheless, I hope to hit at least a couple more of the best and most original downtown spots before the end of the week and take advantage of the specials, discounted prices, the culture, and, of course, the food. This past weekend, I was reminded that I needed to shed some light on the previously forgotten neighborhood, Canton. We went down there for dinner the other day, and ended up at a really cool restaurant called Helen's Garden. There was a new chef, in fact, that night, because their old chef has apparently just been called back to "Top Chef," which is pretty cool. 

     Anyways, I had some really good marinated Greek chicken kebabs with tzatziki and asparagus. The asparagus was a little overcooked, and the service was not outstanding, but nonetheless, the painted walls and original artwork for sale created a really cool vibe. Constructed out of two rowhouses, the entrance to Helen's Garden is through a painted tunnel-like space that used to be the little alleyway between the two homes. On either side is a bar and a restaurant, and the artwork was colorful and original, many of the subjects including Hopper-like storefronts, or colorful "Amish Quilts." These pops of color were a really nice juxtaposition to the darker, sleeker, and more neutral feel created by the low lighting, the contemporary seating, and the cream colored walls with dark trim. There were even cool little alcoves that had been built off of the other wall, with sheer bronze curtains adding to the intimate setting. 

     It also had unique qualities, like a surprise special, prepared by the main chef. If a customer orders this, all he knows about the dish is that he has a choice between filet and scallops, and he is surprised by whichever way the chef decides to pull each plate together. No two customers get the same surprise special; my dad ordered this, choosing scallops, and was quite happy with the result. In addition, their truly gourmet burgers are made with ground filet mignon, and the sweet potato fries, or regular, looked divine. They were golden brown, hand cut and sprinkled with salt and a fresh herb mix, and toppled over the large serving dish. For desert they had homemade Michigan cherry bread pudding, and volcano cakes that looked awesome, although if neither of these look good, you can always run across the street to the legendary Vaccaro's for one of the best cannolis in Baltimore. 

     Anyways, Helen's was pretty good. If you're looking for a place to watch the Ravens (next season) or something more casual, there is the epic Looney's or a family favorite of ours, Nacho Mama's, which features paraphernalia and merchandise from both the Baltimore Ravens and Colts teams. It's like a great place for cheap, indulgent foods, Natty Boh (if you're 21 and older), a museum, and a conversation with an authentic and eccentric Baltimorean all in one. In addition to the Baltimore brew, now made in North Carolina (weak,) Nacho Mama's, as I recall, loves Elvis. Loves. 

     I was looking at this place, Birches, that looks pretty excellent as well. Who wouldn't want to try 'The Original Pink House Dip,' with "backfin crab, artichoke hearts, baby spinach mingling with cream cheese and house spice, served with toasted baguette half?"I don't know, but I don't want to meet that person. In addition to the foodie stuff, it looks to have a good blend of pub grub, so to speak, and excellent brick-oven pizza and burgers. At the Can Company, you can find Austin Grill and, of course, Ray Lewis' Full Moon BBQ. (Although I am disappointed that Ray doesn't know it should be Lewis's rather than Lewis'.) He does a radio show there, too. Monday nights I believe. Gecko's is apparently some great southwestern style food, and then there is the classic seafood place/ rawbar with a cool name, 'Mama's On the Half Shell.' Anything crab or oyster is here, from shooters to crab dip, which I have already admitted I have a special spot for. Bay Cafe has also been acclaimed by some as the best waterfront spot in the city, which is saying a lot, and while its menu is simple, it sure does sound delicious. 

     Wherever you want to eat, and no matter what you want to do, it seems pretty clear that the heart of Canton is O'Donnell Square, which better resembles city storefronts from the 60's, or a small town main street, than it does a hotspot in the middle of Baltimore City. This, to me, is a good thing. It also has a park in the middle, complete with benches, and I'm sure perfect for enjoying a spring day or late summer evening. The community and the care put into these establishments really pays off, because like Fell's Point, Canton is an inviting place, where one cannot help but feel immersed in true Baltimore culture, and also safe.     No matter where you look, there is something cool to look at, something cool to eat, or something cool to buy, from one of the numerous locally owned and unique shops, selling quirky Baltimore stuff, pet goods, antiques, clothing. . As a crusader against sprawl, particularly urban sprawl, the brick facades and humble storefronts are pleasing to me, and it is clear that Canton's community members are uniquely attentive to their surroundings, and their dedication and commitment is reflected in Canton's growing popularity. Preservation and restoration of areas like Canton, so integral to the well being of a city like Baltimore, is often overlooked. But not here; Canton has fought the odds and come back stronger than ever.

      A short trip from Fell's Point, Patterson Park, and even the Inner Harbor, the Canton area is definitely accessible, and people are taking full advantage of this ('2910 on the square', right next to Helen's is a particularly good example of this, and offers one of a kind things on par with the artsy goods sold in and around Hampden's Cafe Hon.) After the Depression, Canton became home to many immigrants from various countries, and these communities have today forged a unique cultural epicenter that transcends the cuisine and events offered in and around the area. Canton is constantly offering karaoke nights, music festivals, and hosting green initiatives. As the home of the first branch of the Enoch Pratt library, as I remember, history certainly lives here. The waterfront scene is beginning to take root as well, and a full scale revival of this neighborhood is making it inarguably one of the best places to live and/or hang out in Baltimore. Bottom line, Mr. Rantin' from Canton, where you live is pretty awesome and I'm jealous.

Beijing: Gold Chains 'Round My Neck Just Like Michael Phelps

a little collage that I made back in August honoring the Baltimorean

Obama Inauguration 2009: Republicans Red, Democrats Blue; Out with the Old and In with the New!

     Red, Blue. Personally, I've always been a fan of purple, and I think that the vibrant hue might be coming into style, which means we can pull the dress out of the closet that has been sitting, accumulating moth-holes for the past eight years. Unfortunately, purple also kind of depresses me lately, which you would understand if you watched the Ravens game.

     That was the last time that Terrell Suggs, Ray Lewis, and Bart Scott will play together, and the last time they will play for Rex Ryan. That was our last chance. We had to win. But Daren Stone, the officials, our fourth string CB, Ben Roethlisberger, and Troy Polamalu had different ideas. It didn't help that Limas Sweed had to take out his frustrations (that he can't catch) with a cheap hit to Corey Ivy. It didn't help that Hines Ward, although rendered immobile in the second quarter, had his usual stupid comments and flashed his usual stupid smile. It didn't help that Willis McGahee was the best player on the entire Ravens roster that night. It didn't help that he was absolutely crushed in a helmet to helmet hit that unnerved the entire team and confirmed the Steelers' victory. It didn't help that for once, we went to our passing game, but entrusted the responsibility to a rookie quarterback who made maybe 10 completions all season. 

     The penalties didn't help. The defense's numerous missed tackles really hurt. Sam Koch was as frozen as, well, ice, and we all know that touching ice burns. Most of all what really hurt was that this season, this experience, came to an end. The Baltimore Ravens defense as we know it came to an end. And it didn't go out in style. Despite the injured Terrell Suggs making huge tackles and even recording two key sacks, we were beaten. Badly. And when it counted most, we allowed Big Ben to make completions all over the field, whether they be to Hines Ward or No-names. What really hurts is not hearing the Sports Radio chatter when I drive home from school. Not seeing the purple flags whipping past me, as cars rush by. No more "let's go Ravens" spelled into the sign at McDonalds, no more Ravens Specials at restaurants. No more electricity, no more hope. And now we will have to wait long months until next football season. And who knows if we'll even be good next year.

      are you aware you lost the AFC Championship yesterday, Joe?

     Putting football aside, though, it's been a pretty darn good weekend. I mean Bruce once again proved himself to be a superior being, and put on a great show for the President. And  also realized my blog is named after his song, so... But sure enough, there are some good signs for the country's future. First of all, Barack Obama was inaugurated yesterday. While I sat taking a Biology exam, my dad stood among a crowd of millions, waiting to catch a glimpse of our President. Luckily I got home in time to catch it on TV. First of all, as they wheeled Cheney out, I couldn't help but think that he looked remarkably like Scrooge. Or Potter, if you've ever seen It's A Wonderful Life. Chris Matthews also observed Cheney's appearance to be a metaphor for his performance as Vice President and for the public opinion of him. 

     Then came the girls. Gorgeous. Angelic. I wanted to be their best friends. Wait, I still do. 1) Malia does not look like a 10 year old. 2) Sasha looked like the most adorable coral and tangerine teddy bear in their custom JCrew peacoats. Audrey Hepburn is one thing, but these girls are a real style icon. I totally want to buy a matching one. Michelle looked sophisticated and assumed an elegance I can only hope to attempt some day. Joe and Jill, my favorite All-American couple. Oh, except for one. The President of the United States and his First Lady. 

     When Bush came out, the crowd booed him like noneother. They sang 'na na na na, na na na na, hey, hey, goodbye.' Personally, I took offense. I thought it was so disrespectful. His father was there. His wife. He was still our President. Who cares what he did or didn't do in office? At that point, he was still the face of our country. He is an American. 2) We reserve that song for Steelers' fans. But in all seriousness, I found that moment so disheartening, for how far have we really come, if we still boo Former President Bush? Luckily, they began to blare the music, in an attempt to drown out the disgraceful chants. Ted Kennedy popped out, looking cheerful as ever. 

      When it came time for President-Elect Barack Hussein Obama to drop the "Elect," I had trouble believing it. I didn't live during the civil rights movement, but I saw enough scarred, wrinkled, tear-soaked faces who did. I saw Elijah Cummings. I had trouble believing that George Bush simply wasn't President anymore. I had trouble believing that the man I made 300 phone calls for, organized canvassing trips for, put my whole faith into, would be the leader of the free world. He delivered a strong message to the nation, and the world, a sharp condemnation of the Bush years, and hope. He reminded us that we all need to do our jobs, and work hard, and love our neighbors. 

     He is a transformational figure, and while this is largely due to the color of his skin, who cares? If he inspires people to involve themselves in politics, or to vote for the first time, or to help a friend, or a stranger, who cares why he appeals to someone, why he inspires someone? In so many ways, things are already promising. Air strikes in the Gaza strip were ordered to conclude before yesterday. The world is listening. People show up to the United States Presidential Inauguration from Ethiopia, Kenya, France, Japan, Jamaica. 

     He wants to use words over weapons, he wants to use reason over irrational action. He wants to bring soldiers home, and make a commitment to these soldiers and their families. He voted for the GI bill. He realizes we are in the 21st Century, and need to fight wars as if we know this. Double alternative energy in the next three years, instead of pretending you've never heard of global warming. A real dedication to education. College tuition for community service. A President who understands the challenges of our nation because he has seen them first hand. He has been the boy who didn't want to learn, but then something peaked his interest, and made a name for himself. He knows what inspires kids, what makes them want to learn, how to improve their grades. He knows more than how a good family legacy can get you into Yale. He is shutting down Guantanamo Bay (literally, now.) Universal Healthcare. Finally. He is open to science and the world of wonders it can do. Tim Pawlenty, Republican Governor of Minnesota, spoke so kindly, so graciously of President Obama. He spoke of Obama's own transformation, his shift to more moderate positions, that appeal to more than the far left-wingers. 

     To all the haters, there is nothing false, or lame, about getting caught up in the jubilation, believing in the hope, thinking that "we can." People have said President Obama has made America cool again, and from my standpoint, if you think getting swept up in the magnitude and greatness of this is obnoxious, or stupid, or joke-worthy, if you mock this, all I can do is feel bad for you. I don't care if your comments are all in good fun, they are offensive to me and to my country. 

     During the Inauguration, Keith Olbermann commented that Obama looked tense before being introduced, and offered that he didn't "think anyone could possibly be calm in a situation like [this.]" I don't think Keith has met Joe Flacco. Joe Flacco, who everyone else in Baltimore has been completely enthralled by over the past four months, has never impressed me too much. And I really wish he would show some emotion. A smile, a frown. Even after he blew the game? He didn't even look upset. Really, that's all we get? I like people who wear their hearts on their sleeve. As professional as President Obama is, even he has, at times, channeled Vice President Biden and shown some feeling.

     "As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honour them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all." With this statement, President Obama reminded me of why I so seriously consider joining the Armed Services. Furthermore, I believe so much in this man, I am aware of the physical and mental capabilities our maker has given me, and I would gladly serve this Commander in Chief. I would gladly serve a nation as great as the one we live in, where on a sub-freezing January day, just 35 years after the conclusion of the Civil Rights movement, 3 million people fill the National Mall, stretching across the lawn, waving flags, and elbowing (in a friendly way) to catch sight of our nation swearing in a black President. 

     Rather, a president, who happens to be black. I doubt I would even know or care about the race factor if it weren't for the books, or the media.

     I am not going to lie, I am pretty jealous of the youth volunteers who were invited to the Youth Ball. MTV did a disgraceful job covering it, but the Obamas showed up, and even danced, "old school." Since I was such a dedicated volunteer, I am wondering how exactly these kids were chosen. But I think Barack's message to them was even more important. He told them that America progresses and changes when young people inspire their older countrymen. He told them that they made his impossible dream a reality, they made his journey possible. And while I wasn't at that ball, I know he was speaking to me too. I want to do more. I didn't get one of those fist bumps or thumbs up from Sasha that I covet (yet), but nonetheless I am beginning to feel the power. 

     My family and I drove to the side of the railroad tracks on Saturday. We didn't go downtown, because we knew it would be too crowded. About 20 other people stood near us, behind a Church, in Hartford County. There were police, too. And there were comparable groups of people lining the tracks from Pennsylvania to Baltimore. Where we were, firemen stood on their trucks, trying to catch the first glimpse as the Amtrak came around the bend. Old women sat, perched with digital cameras in hand. Children. My friend saw a Steelers Fan and a Ravens Fan sharing a towel where she was. (Could this perhaps bode well for the Israeli/ Palestinian conflict?) 

     A charming old man, with icy blue eyes, kind eyes, and wind-burnt skin, approached us and asked if he could help my dad hold our huge American flag as the train went by. In the 20 minutes we waited, they shared their entire life stories. He was a lifelong Midshipman, in every sense. He had dedicated his youth to our country, and he told us of his ventures. Then the train came. It rushed by, blazing down the tracks. They were inside the special car, but nonetheless, we stood a few hundred feet off from the World's role model. And we knew they saw us, felt our support. At the end, I told the man I was looking at the Academy, and his face lit up. He gave me a card and told me he would love to help me out, whether it be learning about the Academy or beginning the Admissions process. Those are the kind of people that voted for Barack Hussein Obama. Those are the kind of Americans we live side by side with. (And Ted Kennedy has left the hospital.) God Bless this country.     

[photos: NYTimes, Baltimore Sun]