Dollar Diplomacy

Osborn Identity

2010-07-02T03:07:00.006-05:00

So the other day while I was hanging out with my friend Anna (as in 'On a Table') I was dazzled by a blinding light, similar to the twinkle over the eyes of, say, Cinderella in a Disney film. This twinkle-light came from the sub-knee, the shoe level of the human anatomy. The source was a pair of AWESOME custom made guatemalan oxford that were just so fabulo I had to snap like twenty thousand pics, yeah? Anyway, here they are and with some of Anna's cool and re-organized closet (Has anyone ever know-ticed how it feels like a perpetual plague of closet reorganization?). You can buys 'em here.

They gots little sparkley threads through em. Just like you and me.

Isn't that sweet? The maker of these shoes signed and dated. Thanks Carlos P. on either September 3, 2010 or March 9, 2010 depending on how Euro you are.

And here's that Dud-Domain I was telling ya'll about.

A sick sweater that is in the process of being knit by Anna from a pattern sampled (allegedly) by Mr. Marc Jacobs himself!

A bag made from a tank top and screen printed with Anna's alias Gemma Ann. She's got stickers, too.

This is an early script for Moulin Rouge an it oddly includes the signature of Ozzy Osbourne. Now if you're scratching your head, you're a noob. Ozzy was actually set to play the part of the Absinthe fairy, a role later taken on by Kylie Minogue. Imagine how odd that'd be.

Here they are again. Sneakin' all up on us.

A Misrepresentation in Application

2010-05-07T21:17:00.002-05:00

Whatsup? I don't think there's anyone out there.. there is no message you are receiving... [lyrics]
Anyway, I mean I don't think anyone reads this anymore but I feel like writing something. I am currently, on a Friday night, skyping with my handicapable son [Andew Sebies] and while he decides what he'll wear to dinner with an unidentified friend, I am waiting for him. there is a blank screen.

As I do nothing here, I couldn't help but wonder... Just kidding. I am not wondering about anything. Carrie Bradshaw always says that. "And as I got out of the cab and climbed the stairs, I couldn't help but wonder blah blah blah" Get original please!

Andew has returned! He wears an argyle vest with white polo. Our relationship rests on our mutual dislike for argyle cardigans [only vests]. Cardigargyle is too much. PAYCE!

Where the Wild Things Are: Mmhm

2009-11-01T10:54:00.003-06:00

I wanted to love Where The Wild Things Are, the latest from Spike Jonze (Adaptation, Being John Malkovich) adapting the beloved children’s book by Maurice Sandek into a feature length live action (live puppet?) slash animated film. And maybe I would have loved it if the movie bore any other name, like Locomotive: the tale of childhood or MAX. But to associate the movie with such an iconic story the whole of 10 sentences, seems to doom the movie to incompetence or inaccuracy in its portrayal.

Perhaps “wanted to love” is the wrong phrase. In fact, I held the movie in enmity, as I do with many movies, so as to brace myself for the disgusting movie that may ensue. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised by how little I do hate the movie. I believe, that first and foremost, Mr. Jonze* is a music video director; he understands how music interacts with the scene, how it can so perfectly capture emotion. And with a score by Carter Burwell (In Bruges, Raising Arizona) and a soundtrack by Karen O and the Kids, featuring artists from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Raconteurs, the Liars, Deerhunter, and in a not-so-ironic turn, an actual chorus of kids, who wouldn’t want a perfect musical side to this childhood entrée? But it’s too perfect and rather than underscoring the emotion the in-your-face perfection of the music dashes exclamation points at the end of every line.

Max, played delightfully by Max Records, dissatisfied by the prospect of growing older, runs away to an island inhabited by wild things and in one perfect monologue goes from being dinner to king. The Wild Things are played by a medley of brilliant actors (in this parenthesis bubble I would usually put the name of the actors, but I find that such information may curse you to imagining the actor in a sound booth, rather than amuse you, so I will just put crazy names from now on) who capture exactly one facet of Max’s personality or life. There’s Judith, a self proclaimed downer, Alexander striving for attention, The Bull constantly ignored, Douglas always dependable, KW, the Wild embodiment of Max’s sister who finds new friends, both on the island and in Max’s life, and finally Carol. Carol encapsulates Max’s penchant for destruction at their very first interaction, and as the movie progresses, his mastery of creation. The Wild Things literally try to create a perfect world, just as Max has done with the wild things of his imagination. But they can never escape reality. The movie affirms the therapeutic power of destruction and the resonating emptiness that follows. But the obvious parallels between Max and his creatures and Max’s world and his real life seem to mock the viewer. The depth and articulation can be attributed to only writers Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers. Ten sentences could have never implied all of the despair and anguish that the movie does.

In the end the stunning visuals and great performances are not enough to save the maudlin movie drenched in impeccable music musings and obvious plot lines.

* Did a song just pop into your head?

Epigraphs and Bobby

2009-10-03T12:11:00.003-05:00

According to Wikipedia "In literature, an epigraph is a phrase, quotation, or poem that is set at the beginning of a document or component. The epigraph may serve as a preface, as a summary, as a counter-example, or to link the work to a wider literary canon, either to invite comparison or to enlist a conventional context." But I also like them in music, they set the tone. Sometimes they take form of dedications or explain the purpose of song, Busta Rhymes' "Touch It (Remix)." Usually though, they introduce some other feeling that the song/music may not so obviously imply.

One of my favorites is from Ratatat's "Seventeen Years," which also happens to be my general ringtone. So if you call me and you don't have your own very special ringtone, that's what plays. It is funny, I believe:

Also, check out this song-thing "Alice" which Bobby Esnard (Bobnard!) referred to me. Apparently it's old, but it's new to me. And if you're feeling especially adventurous check out this Yooouuutuuube thing, again thanks to Bobs. It's kind of how you say? trippy? Ah, trippy. Do you use this word "trippy?"

A Chat with Ian!

2009-09-27T09:50:00.005-05:00

So has anyone seen those repulsive PROMOTIONS they disguise as pieces for Scott Schuman (aka the Sartorialist) in GQ? They go around touting Scott as the global gentlemen (which he is) all thanks to Verizon Wireless that lets him text and communicate. Oh praise Verizon. But, I have T-mobile and friends so we'll just sample a bit of Texts with Ian. Right here, right now.

Oh, also I realized that they also do this (somewhat...) elsewhere in GQ, when they so adorably put several critics and pop-culture pundits in a faux mag-chat room and they comment and name drop accordingly. I will fallow suit in the bolding but no worries you shan't find any annoying text lingo, only Sasha-IEK lingo.

Ian avec my Ikea pillow on the last night. Check out those hands.. so cute!

Me: I love this santigold album it's soo goood!

Ian EK: I knooooo!! She is incredible.

Me: haha my racist friend was like "I really dont like her. She has a weird face"

Ian EK: Haha only in 'bama. my cousin saw her in london once. Sooo jealous!

Me:what do you think of the Mountain Goats, I just listened to them and don't know how I feel

Ian EK: I know lots of people who like them, but their sound is a bit too jagged for me

Me: i get that.. they seem a bit whiney too but I just read this gq article and this guy said the songwriter is "not just one of the greatest songwriters... one of the greatest working writers" whaaaat?

Ian EK: I loooooove hype

Me: haha we should put this convo on my brog and ill call it "A Chat with Ian"

FIN

oh p.s. I just want to let you know that I counted how many o's and a's there were and retyped exactly that number okay! There were a lot. and here, you can check out the Mountain Goats for yourself.

And while I don't exactly love this music and I find the lead singer John Darnielle's head movements and general aura to be annoying, I do think this video is funny. Enjoy! (or not...)

Sorry about this

2009-08-30T14:27:00.002-05:00

This is a meditation I wrote for Art History and it's not very good, but I am just going to put it here. It's kindof like a review of the book, but is technically just musings. Oh, it is on the first three chapters of The Judgment of Paris by Ross King (Brunelleschi's Dome). Sorry I suppose for not updating, but I've come to hate my writing. Ah, well. P.S. It's also very serious and boring. I apologize.

Art shapes history and history art, there is no question here. But what makes The Judgment of Paris an interesting read rather than a museum pamphlet is the ever-so-detailed consideration to the meta-analysis of art—what makes an artist tick, her life experiences, her relationships and aspirations that all sum to how she perceives the world, an ultimately recreates it. King explicates the relationship between the end product and the process, with care to point out that this rectangular snapshot is not without years or even lifetimes of bias and planning.

Starting with Ernest Meissonier—the Karl Lagerfeld of the nineteenth century—we observe the meticulous regiment and extravagance to which life becomes dedicated completely to art. His eccentricity rivaled even Don Quixote, who too obsessed over times past and chivalric tradition, and perched himself upon a wooden horse, although not in a faux-snowscape. Meissonier shuns the modern, trifling, and erratic world of the ordinary; he favors the lionized “good old days.” But Meissonier embodied contradiction. He wanted to create in himself and his philosophy of art and culture a sense of antiquity, but he reduced his talents to bonshommes (goodfellas, if you will) rather than the epic gentlemen favored by society and his own taste. Meissonier decried this very practice, yet still petitioned against Nieuwerkerke’s reforms to secure his ability to churn out several bonhommes pieces, rather than concentrating his “efforts on a true masterpiece—a large and heroic history painting, for instance—that would take its honored place in pantheon of French art.” He believed and strove for this goal, but wooed by the lifestyle from his profitable bonhommes, Meissonier sided against Nieuwerkerke. Here, Ross emphasizes the impact that money has not only on the painter, but shaping the world of art, the works society deems “acceptable” and thus views. Had it not been for Meissonier’s great fame and fortune, we may not even be discussing his petition, his work, his presence in the book. Ross also makes sure to contrast Meissonier with Manet.

If Meissonier is Karl Lagerfeld, Edourd Manet is Charlie Bartlett, the protagonist from a 2007 film; he fares from the gentry with supportive parents in contrast to Meissonier whose interest in art estranged his father, and could barely support himself before his booming painting career. The two also share almost directly opposing views of art. While Meissonier prefers glorified historical pieces but yields to producing works officers and gentlemen, Manet initially believed in the venerated historical paintings and then willingly depicted indigents and commoners. Critics chided Manet’s style—his technique, subjects, uniqueness. Others celebrated it. Despite the great differences between these two artists, they both represent a single allegory of meta-art.

It took only Gautier to praise Manet for his pieces to be considered “good.” The Académie des Beux-Arts, “immortals” determined with one, unified judgment the value of a painting, of the life’s work of artists. This practice still persists, even if not in such identified terms. Arbitrarily selected “elite” vote yay or nay in magazines and museums; proctors pull pieces to show in traveling galleries… And exposure creates profit, conversation and ultimately defines what we as viewers considers to be “worthy art”. If nothing else, The Judgment of Paris provokes critical thought about the art we value. How does that art come about? Why does everyone at the Louvre flock to Mona Lisa with their backs to Le Radeau de la Meduse? When we accept that pure excellence is not the only determinant in answering these questions, we can understand the relationship between history and art.

A Side Note

2009-08-03T01:08:00.005-05:00

Some people are of the belief that movies are best only when you can see them several times and still love them, or perhaps--dare say it--even more. I am not one of these people. No Country for Old Men, was all worthy of it's best picture title, but seeing that movie again may be enough to convert me to a Brokeback fan. (Okay, maybe just a There Will be Blood pusher).

Howevah, as a three time Away We Go-er, I can say without hesitation ("to smash your doll cupboard!") that it is still a great movie. You guys should really go See it.

And, if you haven't already (as I instructed) listened to The Vitamin String Quartet rendition of Where is My Mind a la Pixies, you should. In fact, I shall force you to. Just listen to the whole thing. Here

It is a really good car song; I like to act like I'm a conductress (Not a train! A Quartet conductress) when I listen. Sorry the end isnt on it, but you should buy it on itunes.

And Here is the original, from Fight Club, my official favorite movie (but it is slightly tied with a bunch of others)

I didn't check to see if there was anything inappropriate first, so sorry if there is kiddies! I miss Andrew Seber!!! Where have you bloody been (all my life)!?!

Digging Santigold

2009-07-26T00:28:00.004-05:00

Apart from her outrageously delicious music, Santigold (Santogold?) is cool for innumerable reasons, including but not limited to:

1. The fact that her real name is Santi White. White is my favorite color;

2. The name change from Santi to Santogold to Santigold. (Notice the blocking in the album artwork) I, too, at the ripe age of whatever age you are in 3rd grade changed my name from Sasha to Alex to shed myself of endless Sushi/Sausage ridicule only to be met with public scrutiny over the neo nomen. I then changed back as she to Santi-gold. We can relate; and

3. Quakers. Yeah, Santigold went to Quaker school and then to Wesleyan where she double majored in Music and African American studies? How politically correct.

By the way she also has really good music, some of which may taint the hallowed hollows of thine ear. Sample this, "Lights Out" from her formerly eponymous Santigold (2008)

Also, you can get her song "L.E.S. Artistes" for FREEZY along with some Passion Pit, La Roux

and others Nylon Magazine's Website. Your welcome. And thanks to Ian Erickson-Kery!

Paul Newman vs. Marlon Brando

2009-07-19T00:54:00.004-05:00

There are some comparisons that are completely resolvable (Why does Pepsi even exist? Coke is obviously the embodiment of the american dream...) but others are not as clear cut as the abs of their options. Marlon Brando. Paul Newman.

And some James Franco for the next generation.

Random Pictures

2009-07-15T12:39:00.002-05:00

Part of My Closet, Interregnum

Birmingham via Vulcan avec Mia

Pour La victoire sandals

Demon Children plus popsicles

This is a frog.

Villmot is the best poster artist.

I made this pie. From scratch. Including the dough.

Away We Go: Three Thumbs Up

2009-07-11T00:01:00.005-05:00

It seems as though I have deleted the original post. Here:

Sorry, brevity is not my forte, let's try this again.

Away We Go is a good film because it shows protagonists living life. Why does this make a good movie? You ask. It seems simple enough, but I’m not sure many, if any of you, know how to do this and movies these days get by with gimmicky storylines, explosions, and Judd Apatow (no disrespect). But to have a movie that just shows life in innocent purity is truly a rarity and a jewel.

In Sam Mendes' (American Beauty, Jarhead) charming film, Verona (Maya Rudolph, daughter to Minnie Riperton) and Burt (John Krasinski, The Office) find themselves pregnant and stranded by the latter’s parents and bestowed with the gift of latitude. The movie then finds itself a sequence of settings in which the endearing couple learn bits of life in each diorama with its own inhabitants, like some awesomely twisted nature show, but rather than Steve Irwin (Coco bless his soul), Verona and Bert are left to poke and cajole the creatures of parenthood and independence.

Our story’s heros seem fragile and strong, and the film is not shy about implying their moral superiority to every crazy they encounter. And they encounter a plethora of crazy. Usually, I detest a stellar dramatis personae but in this case, the entire bill (including random extras) create a seemingly endless ripple of laughter halted by sudden, blunt eddies of deep emotion. Allison Janney, Jim Gaffigan, Catherine O’Hara, Jeff Daniels, Melanie Lynskey, and Paul Schneider (to name a few!) embody their respective stereotypes, but add an undertone of unique wholesomeness, in sense of originality (certainly not appropriateness).

Rudolph and Krasinski also remain 100% believable 96% of the time, but in those lingering 4% we can see and hear only Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida writing cliché into this otherwise beautifully surprising script. These moments are unnatural and forced, but necessary and overall contribute more to the film than they sacrifice, but these scenes of jejune sentimentality and sporadic artsy-for-the-sake-of-artsy shots stir a reaction this side of parental disappointment towards a sloppy child.

But overall I find the film absolutely satisfying, a laugh riot (Africa, O Africa) and I was sad when it was over. There were no gimmicks or antics, no unrealistic plot twists, because there is little plot. And I don’t consider myself betraying you by revealing this, because Away We Go is not about what happens, but how Burt and Verona live their lives. The pregnancy is a red herring for a simple look into the complicated lives of two people and the world around them. Go see it.

Also, apart from being spawn of siren Minnie, Maya Rudolph produced offspring with P.T. Anderson, director of the lionized There Will Be Blood and (perhaps adequately celebrated) Boogie Nights. The latter starred Mark Wahlberg, impersonated by Andy Samberg on SNL, of which Maya also stars.

It's Tricky to Romp Around

2009-07-10T23:17:00.010-05:00

Today, as I was awaiting an appointment, I decided to get some shots of my pedicure (as I would soon relinquish it to camp) and to celebrate the last days of wearing heels (Alas, camp steals all my joys). During this process, who do I see other than my friend's mom, so picture this. I'm standing, in romper and heels on a concrete block across the street from the photog (Dana) and Lillie's mom pulls up. That was awkward. Anyway, here are my shoes and (somewhat) a romper shot. (It was tricky to capture)

Coach Shoes with hearts and stars. The perfect 3008 / 60s mix.

The romper, just to prove I coordinated.

Sorry there are so many of these. I am obsessed with these shoes... notice 10 different shades on ze toes.

ShopBop Contest

2009-07-09T16:39:00.010-05:00

The two best ways to be recessionist and fashioinable are

1) Wear your old clothes! It seems easy enough but you'll start getting tired of what you wear, not because you don't have enough but because most people wear 20% of their closets 90% of the time! To get more out of your wardrobe, seriously search for what you haven't worn in ages and pair things together. Create what you don't already have!

2) Enter Contests. Lots of Contests. With cash prizes or --even better-- clothing prizes.

Here's my entry to Shopbop.com's Style Contest and also what I wore (yesterday)

LaRok Shirt/Dress with leather (yes! leather) trim and gold buttons.

Vera Wang Lavender Label shorts with bow closure.

Second Amendment: Right to Bare Arms

Christian Louboutin Three Strap Mary Janes and DY ring.

Voila! It is a dress! A scandalous short dress, but with leggings or the right city, it works.

DY Handcuff and Gurhan rings

Vintage Necklace from my grandmother's closet

PLEASE go to my entry and "like" my outfit!

Movies I Want to See: Circa Summer 09

2009-07-08T22:12:00.027-05:00

Movies I most want to see, in order of release date (kindof)

Moon: Directed by Duncan Jones, David Bowie's son, and starring Sam Rockwell. (Plot is more along the lines of Elton John's "Rocket Man")

(500) Days of Summer: Who doesn't. I do not like Zooey Deschanel.

Bruno, by my alter ego Sacha Baron Coen. (I've already made a Bruno reference in another article, can you find it?)

Paper Heart: Michael Cera (enough). They're really in love.

Funny People: Judd Apatow, enough.

Cold Souls: Paul Giamatti, enough.

Adam: A tail of Asberger's and love with Hugh Dancy

Inglorious Basterds: Quentin Tarantino + Brad Pitt + Nazi's + Southern Accents. Enough

9: There may be too many good actors for this to turn out well, but we'll give it a try.

The September Issue: Anna Wintour gets her revenge on Devil Wears Prada.

GQ: The Sartorialist Edition.

2009-07-08T21:55:00.004-05:00

The Sartorialist gives me hope that there are naturally well-dressed, attractive, and, well, sartorial men in the world. Here are some pearls of hope as well as hints to what guys should wear.

I could take this guy to a derby, and thank GQ he went with a straw (not wool) fedora.

This guy's total chill attitude makes him so well dress. The Allen G. ref ain't bad either and you know if a guy's comfortable enough with himself to sport a FLORAL blazer, he's probably not boring, either.

Mini brief case? Attache case? Non. Clarinetist (Guess you'll never be a concert flautist)

I saw this guy at Chick-fil-a. Reminiscent of Jeremy Sisto.

Photos from the Sartorialist via GQ.

Check Out: Grizzly Bear

2009-07-06T22:25:00.016-05:00

When you have no money, you turn to the small priceless treasures in life. Like rain and music. You may have already herd of Grizzly Bear which actually released Yellow House in 2006, which saw medeocre approbation. But their new album, Veckatimist feels (as, self proclaimed) "more confidant, mature, focused—and most of all, dynamic." They have a sound of soulful melancholy. For fans of Beirut, Andrew Bird, Fleet Foxes-esque. Also kindof like outrageously enjoyable elevator music, somewhat maudlin but in a good way. Worthy of a Wes Anderson Soundtrack (big shoes to fill). They've also received wide acclaim from Rolling Stone, NME, The New Yorker, Entertainment Weekly, and a littany of other music and lifestyle commentairies, and now Dollar Diplomacy. Check them and this music video out for "Two Weeks" (I'm still deciding how I feel about it.)

The video reminds me of a Norman Rockwell/ Tim Burton (a la Edward Scissorhands,Sweeny Todd) collaboration.

Also, this is directed by Patrick Daughters who has worked with everyone:

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kings of Leon, Death Cab, Muse, Feist, Snow Patrol, Beck, The Shins, Bright Eyes, Mika,

Interpol, Depeche Mode.

isn't that sick?

Anyway, comment and let me know what you think about the music and the Band. Live your life, Sasha.

I Am... Clothed.

2009-07-06T22:02:00.005-05:00

Now apart from being Obama's daughter, a Russian boy, everyone and their brother's dogs, and permanently removed from the world of custom key chains, I am... Sasha Fierce, in a clothing line. This line of the Sasha variety from Beyonce's House of Dereon and will function just like her music, as a conduit of her "daring and outgoing" alter ego. And while I prefer my Beyonce laced, nay, covered in spandex leotards and metal corsets, these are completely pret-a-porter.

Nothing too special, but I feel like she's just making sure everyone knows she's not talking 100% lace bodysuits before she puts a ring on it. Def digging the shoes.

There's the Beyonce we all know and love... or the Sasha?

Yes. Gold Corset ftw. Beyonce has mad cahones.

Shopbop.thebomb.com

2009-07-05T22:16:00.000-05:00

Just kidding, it's actualy just shopbop.com !

Anyways, if you know it or not, Shop Bop is an awesome online store for the BEST eclectic collection of clothing. They have famous designers a la Sevens, True Religion, DVF, Balmain, Marc by Marc Jacobs, but they also have new "up and coming" designers ranging from thousands to under 50 dollars and their sales are AWESOME! (If you get on their mailing lists, specials = your life). They also dress all styles (preppy, pretty, fairies, glam, rocker, glam rocker) and ages so ch ch ch check it out. In the meantime, here are some shots from their All-American looks etc. (Dibs on the pink outfit and the red shorts!)

Bamf.

This reminds me of maggie.

This is SO MINE (Mia, you know who I'm talking to)

This too is mine, sans shoes et chapeau.

Also I forgot to mention they sell pretty much everything: shoes, jewels, scarves, hats, sunglasses, bathing suits, towels... yeah it's your life store (plus food and healthcare)

Public Enemies, or Waste of Time.

2009-07-04T23:10:00.001-05:00

MTV’s “real life” version of the O.C., Laguna Beach has seen unprecedented reality success with a processional of spinoffs and shrilling fans. It is most likely scripted. But what works for the Hills is that the characters live the only life you know of them.

This is not the case for Public Enemies, the latest from Michael Mann (Colateral, Ali).

Now, Mr. Mann probably did not wake up and decide to make a reality-movie complete with platitudinous dialogue, over-staged setting and actors who think their lives are more exciting than any role they could play. Poorly. But watching this movie, one can't help but picture him in a stereotypical, black director’s chair with a beret and megaphone trying to make a such a movie. Perhaps this was neither his intention nor his fault; perhaps it took him hostage, like a bank client held up by John Dillinger, the film’s antihero, or you, an innocent moviegoer hostage by this movie….

The movie starts off with a prison break to get the incorrigible Dillinger (Depp) started on his next heist, and the viewer introduced. From the first glimpse, we find awkward angles, extreme close-ups and unnatural blotchy lighting which, although “revolutionary” gives an overall uncomfortable and disorienting impression. The choreography is about as exciting as a 1930s band of gangsters can get, but the conservative shots reveal little and in the following shots of the getaway car, we see only attempted-natural shots of shadowed faces with the light falling in just the wrong contours of the faces. Perhaps the a muster of this banal film is in the sequence of getaway shots as Dillinger gazes into the eyes of his dying friend as he lets go, literally, only to have the corpse slide into the dust of the penitentiary. How symbolic. Following are shadows and faces.

Thanks (maybe) to the date flashing across the screen, we know this story of bank robber extraordinaire takes place in 1933, else we may have never guessed from the digital quality of the fast paced scenes, like watching an episode of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, but rather than social climbing Italian women preening for the limelight, we have social climbing American John Dillinger aiming to be the extravagant Robin Hood during the depression, while also trying to get by without being marked on every street corner. Instead of the intended “tension of the scene” from the shakey shots and quick, jumpy cuts, the effect is a nauseating disgust for this ostensibly unedited definition. The uber realistic shots conflicting strategically placed time-accurate artifacts and music give a contrived-precision/anachronistic tension that radiates off the screen more like nuclear waste than memorable innovation.

When it comes to plot, Mr. Mann too seems conflicted as to whether or not this is a love story, or a goose-chase. Both, perhaps—a story about John Dillinger, the man? This seems possible, but the complete lack of any character development for John, his band of FBI antagonists, his lover, or any other of the MILLION characters in this movie makes it clear that depth is not the goal, even in this two hour twenty minute film, despite being, essentially, about one man. Not too mention Johnny Depp seems too excited about being paid to wear fedoras and three-pieces to care about being killed by the fledgling FBI led by a fat, and faux tanned J. Edgar Hoover (Billy Crudup).

Perhaps the biggest bane to this film is, ironically, it’s stellar cast. When an actor becomes larger than life, so that when you see him you think only other roles or tabloid shots of him at the beach, he no longer serves his purpose. This is true for Johnny Depp. (But to be fair, Angelina Jolie can't escape the tabloids, yet Eastwood’s opus Changeling suffers not from this foible.)

Alone, he may have not been so bad, but with Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, and Billy Crudup in leading roles along with a litany of familiar faces in smaller parts, regardless of how good (or bad) their performances were, it comes off looking like a movie. This, in addition to gas-station-novel dialogue with nuggets of proverbial cheese lead to over-performed hackneyed phrases. The only natural, time-apt delivery comes from lawyer Louis Piquett (Peter Gerety) in a scene which unfortunately cannot save this movie. Otherwise, the trite lines spew forth with the typical old-movie music and Billie Holliday so perfectly played at every moment Billie Frechette (Cotillard), the love interest, is in the shot. The epitome of this forced iconicism is the intended culmination of the parallel between Dillinger and the antagonist and leading detective, Melvin Purvis (Bale). The two stand eye-locked on the opposite sides of a jail cell and exchange restrained resentment. Throughout the film, constant flashing between the two in parallel situations to not-so-coyly draw their similarities becomes obvious and superficial. And while Colleen Atwood’s (Memoirs of a Geisha, Chicago) costume designs are flawless, they portray every deep facet the audience is meant to understand, but the total lack of any personality makes them look like costumed actors out of GQ. And the excessive playbill cause for mustaches and novelties to distinguish them, which just looks absurd.

One success, if only, of Public Enemies is the timing of the climactic scenes, which come—as they should—as a surprise to the viewer and characters. This accomplishment is curtailed by the immediate video-game sequence of “action” consisting of random firework-gunshots like watching Call of Duty but in nondescript fields and hotels. The annoying frequency of these surprises dilutes the excitement, a classic suicide I like to remember as Playing With the Toy So Much It Breaks. And, to make sure you don’t lose the really special moments when something Big! happens, they’ll make sure to put it in slow motion, focus on a certain object, or repeat the phrase, or lyric 17 times.

In a word this film was a disappointment. In several, I am angered by it, and even more by the fact that people think that because it was different, it should be celebrated. They thought that about Courtney Love. But if you're into historical re-enactments, and want to feel like a 1930s agricultural worker in need for sustenance, but would rather be dealt kerosene covered oranges and have all your assets stolen from your intellectual bank, this is the movie for you.

Public Enemies is directed by Michael Mann; Screenplay by Mr. Mann, Ronan Bennet, and Ann Biderman, based on the book by Bryan Burrough; director of photography, Dante Spinotti; edited by Paul Rubell and Jeffrey Ford; music by Elliot Goldenthal; production designer, Nathan Crowley; produced by Mr. Mann and Kevin Misher; released by Universal Pictures. Running time: 2 hours 13 minutes.staring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Billy Crudup, and Stephen Dorf. Photo (c) Universal Studios.

Two of My Favorite Things in One!... like a fish taco

2009-07-03T23:37:00.000-05:00

Chuck Bass. GQ. My favorite boy (Chuckles, as I call him) and my favorite magazine, Gentlemen Quarterly have gotten together! They didn't put him on the cover though, but that's okay. Ed Westwick is not the cover type. He is a darker more sophisticated man with sartorial charm and wit. Here are some of my favorite (and thus most suit-y) shots from the suit shoot.

This one miiight be my favorite, because Ed looks so hot.

But this one ain't bad either.

But in this one, Ed looks hot and he's dressed well. But this kiindof looks like a typical corner-concrete-room Hugo Boss looking ad. Don't mistake my 'but' for reluctance; I like Hugo Boss. A lot.

Okay, you got me. This is, in fact, not Chuck Bass or Ed Westwick. It's Arlo Weiner, offspring of Mad Men creater Matt Weiner. And at the ripe old age of 8, he's got Chuck Bass style, almost, and been in GQ. My future children will be smitten.

But he is super cute. Someone get this kid in a Wes Anderson flick, pronto.

Emma Roberts in Teen Vogue

2009-07-03T23:16:00.000-05:00

Y'all, Harry Potter sweetheart and my second favorite Emma (to Emma Roberts, of course), Emma Watson will soon be on a favorite, Teen Vogue Cover. She's just done the shoot from the show with Burberry, BCBG Max Azria, and D&G (Dolce and Gabbana Hello!) galore! Here are some shots from the shoot courtesy teenvogue.com

(Behind the Scenes) This is my favorite Dress. Of all time.

You can't tell in this picture.... but one of those donkeys actually has a British flag on it.
And by some... I mean all of them plus some behind the scenes shots! But be sure to check out teenvogue.com for some more behind-the scenes..

Bottega, Antrho, Horsehows and the Van Buren Inn

2009-07-01T11:30:00.001-05:00

Here are some random photos off of my phone (sorry bout the quality!) from my random life... From horseshows to shopping, to inspiration.

So they had this top at Antrhopologie right next to the other one (lower). This one is me, the other one is Mia.

This is my baby cousin, Holan. She;s almost one and cute as a Baby Pie.

Now in Season: The Strawberry Banana Vivanno Smoothie from Starbucks. Ask for Samples.

I LOVE THIS. White tops = everyone's staple.

This one is Mia. Yes?

Hot Brown from DeSha's in Lexington, KY. Following chicken, sausage, seafood Gumbo. Could anything be better? Perhaps... puppies!

This is a puppy I met named Awesome. Sad Face (what i named him) was even better.

A mini Spirit Stallion of the Cimaron at the Lawrenceburg horseshow. He's number 1.

Chanel.

The Van Buren Inn: the sketchiest hotel in Nowhere, Alabama.

Crabcake at Bottega Cafe.

Silence of the Lamb Chops.

Salmon. the best salmon.

Nostalgia

2009-06-14T22:02:00.000-05:00

Sasha: Of all the states of being I think Nostalgia is one of the greatest

You: Nostalgia isn't a state of being it's like an emotion or a feeling..

Sasha: No no, it's a state of emotion. You exist in Nostalgia you don't feel it you feel around in it.

Here is a list of time-traveling Nostalgia triggers for me ranked in order of intensity/desirability/the order in which they came to me/no order at all.

1. The song, or tune, in any shape or form of Where is My Mind? (by the Pixies, originally so). It makes me think of the final scene of Fight Club when Edward and Helena get together like cartoon characters. Because that's when they play it. Also, be sure to check out the Vitamin String Quartet version; it's lovely. via my friend AnnaCatherin-a

2. Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake (Starbucks) makes me get that feeling of numbed teeth from Novacaine. yesssss

3. The song, In the Sun, by Joseph Arthur. This is a bit of a fake-trigger, because it makes me think of the scene of Jean Grey and Cyclops's departure in the second X-men movie, but I'm pretttty sure they don't play this song at that time. Hm.

4. This should really be ranked higher, but the song Hey by the Pixes. This is more for a feeling of total depression and rejection, emptiness and finality. They play this during the most (ostensibly) devastating scene in the fine film, Zack and Miri make a Porno. Check it Out.

That's all fo now. Bow chicka wow wow.

2:07 A.M.

2009-06-14T02:07:00.000-05:00

It is 2:07 A.M. I am bored. Why are there blogs? Why do boys exist? I don't know. I can''t sleep I dont want to sleep Dalton Ames Dalton Ames Dalton Ames. cuteboysmakemenervous.blogspot.com

is really good. Sometimes they are not very cute.

No Taft Here

2009-06-09T22:24:00.000-05:00

One Year, No Money -- That's pretty much how this works.

Kindof. Okay so in one year from the 2009 graduation, if I

don't buy any shoes or clothing or make-up or anything else

that contributes (material) joy and instant gratification to

the world, then I should receive some sum to go to FRANCE!

ohhh Champs-Elysses!! anyway, i also have to blog about it,

so here.