OMFG.

Posted by: Kim

President Obama is Gossip Girl fan!

Or he could just be AWARE of it, I know, but whatever.

Ummm, Mr. Obama?

Posted by: Jen

You are awesome. All of this legislation for positive things is starting to blow my mind. Case in point: lifting the ban on stem cell research.

It's better than sex! And nachos! And having sex and then eating nachos in bed!

From CNN:

"As President Obama reversed the Bush administration's limits on embryonic stem-cell research, he said scientific decisions must be "based on facts, not ideology."
President Obama lifted a ban that limited federally funded embryonic stem cell research.

President Obama lifted a ban that limited federally funded embryonic stem cell research.

The president on Monday signaled a clear shift in tone from the Bush administration on a broad range of scientific issues.

Obama overturned an order signed by President Bush in 2001 that barred the National Institutes of Health from funding research on embryonic stem cells beyond using 60 cell lines that existed at that time."

Emphasis mine. OMG OMG OMG (not literally, obv, just as a figure of speech, because REALLY guys, I don't have a god and I'm cool with not having yours either. Anyway.), wait what? You mean the government should not be run and legislation should not be controlled by the vocal and annoying self-righteous minority? Especially when that obnoxious subset of the population wants to hinder scientific progress that would help people all over the world? Well, consider my socks knocked off. I never thought this day would come. Thanks President Obama, I am glad I voted for you. xoxo

Oh Hai, Look What Obama Is Up To Now!

Posted by Jen:

Oh all that is smart and awesome, check out out this press release from Planned Parenthood:

"President Obama began the process of overturning the Bush administration rule that limits the rights of patients to receive complete and accurate reproductive health information and services.You might already know the background of this situation, but here it is in case you don't. Just before leaving office, the Bush administration put in place a rule that limits the rights of patients to receive complete and accurate reproductive health information and services. The rule allows health care personnel and institutions everywhere to simply withhold information about health care services, including things like birth control and HIV testing and treatment. It also allows health care workers to deny any basic health care service based on their personal biases. "

Well, that was quick. I really have to say, I am impressed with President Obama's can do/will do attitude. I don't think I've ever seen a politician accomplish more so quickly. It really makes me happy (and incredibly relieved, after 8 years of horror. I think I have Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome or something, as the next round of elections already strikes fear into my liberal heart.) to have a smart, educated competent leader for once.

ALSO, there is more you can do to help! There is 30 days before the rule is rescinded for the public to voice their opinion. Let yourself be heard via this great form provided by PP: http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/hhsorcp_ppol/ws3xxx3r1kketwd?source=hhsorcp_e1_ppol

Next, let's work on gay marriage!

Where I was last week ...

Posted by: Kim

WATCHING HISTORY HAPPEN.

I'm in there. Stripey hat with a pompom or three, because when I am cold I turn into a five-year-old. That tuft of pink fuzz in the immediate foreground may or may not be a part one of the hats in my party of friends, actually ...

I've found the experience more difficult to talk about than I anticipated. It's not that I was any more or less moved or ecstatic than I assumed I would be, but I also haven't really figured out how to put into words how happy I was just to have been there, despite the fact that I was really just watching it all go down on a giant tv surrounded by millions of people -- so really, I saw it happen basically the same way everyone did with a slightly (majorly) larger group. So each time someone has asked, "how WAS it?!" I've felt pretty generic in my gushing, "Amazing! Inspiring! Just ... something I'll never get to do again, that I'm so glad I decided to do..."

But it's true. The enormity and importance of the moment felt magnified. The woman standing behind me cried the entire time, all the while with a huge smile on her face. TWO, count 'em, of my male friends teared up during Aretha Franklin's staggering performance (I adored the hat, btw), and I found no time to cry because I was so busy jumping up and down in utter excitement with the French Canadian guy (shout out, Jen!) beside me who kept grabbing my arm and telling me how happy he was for America.

To be with so many people generating such a positive energy and standing in solidarity isn't something I can say I've ever really experienced before, and I think it indicates just how much the tides are about to turn for the better in our country that already the sense of unity among us is stronger than most people I know can remember it ever being.

My favorite part of Obama's speech:

"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."

On World Events...

Posted by: Jen

My boyfriend and I discuss recent MOST AWESOME legislation:

BF: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7847651.stm
Jennifer: I KNOW
I KNOW I KNOW! He's so awesome!
like, the US was denying all foreign family planning clinics $ if they even mentioned abortion... that's so mean, especially in places like Africa!
BF: i know
that’s a big F@ck up
Jennifer: talk about not respecting individual choice
BF: yes, let’s make the poorest people in the world have more kids that they obviously cannot afford and will starve to death
Jennifer: I know
BF: woo pro life! i wouldn’t exactly call that a life...
jokers
Jennifer: or, let the clinic rot that is helping people in lots of other ways besides killing babies
“oh, no malaria shot for you, we provide information about abortion!”
no, that's thing, I find that pro-life people are shockingly callous, when it comes to living people
BF: what’s that, you want advice on how to get safe drinking water?
sorry, excuse the pun, that advice dried up when the funding did!
Jennifer: like they really care about that fetus, but screw the mom, the rest of the family and environment
BF: so far he has: lifted this ban, given stem cell research the go ahead, closed Guantanamo… i hate to say it, but he has done more in 3 days than Bush did in 8 years
the last decade was such a shame, hopefully it will just be a small blemish on the history of mankind
Jennifer: I know!!! I am so happy about all of it
I also enjoy that he is treating his critics as if they were 5 years old
"My oath wasn't perfect? FINE. I WILL RETAKE IT SO YOU SHUT UP."
he's a really great person
BF: yeah
Jennifer: I hope he continues to be like that
BF: i think he'll be ok
imagine if they find a cure for cancer now because they can do stem cell research
i hope all those that were opposed to it never reap the rewards of it
Jennifer: yeah exactly... like, ok you don't believe in it? Fine, die.
I would totally donate my eggs for that; they can help people who can't walk
BF: but your eggs, although unfertilized could have been a baby!!!
how dare you!?!?
Jennifer: didn't you hear? I am pre-pre-pregnant, and must act so at all times
BF: exactly
Jennifer: I should take you to Planned Parenthood, they would love you
BF: although you are not, you have the potential to be pregnant
Jennifer: and I have to respect LIFE!!!1
BF: i was thinking though (even before Obama’s great speech) we should do some charity work for a couple of hours a week
Jennifer: sure
BF: cleanse the soul
Jennifer: I like killing babies, helping little kids, animals…
whatever you want to do
BF: i want to put shampoo in a rabbit’s eyes, what charity is that?

Deep Lunchtime Thoughts Over My Sandwich...

Posted by: Jen

I have a few things to comment on, so I decided to put it all in one post for convenience's sake.

First off, filed under Things I Refuse To Believe No Matter How Many Times You Tell Me, I give you Eva Longoria:

Yeah, she's doing the Katie Holmes' baggy jeans roll thing that was thrust upon us last year. Eva, I am more likely to believe Katie than you on all things fashion (as you normally run around in 1980's prom inspired evening dresses, alternating with Uggs and Juicy Couture), but for real for real, I am not getting on this bandwagon no matter how often you insist on doing it. Fashion fail.

Next, I would just like to remind everyone again that I would like to be Victoria Beckham when I grow up:

Perfect, as usual (even with the matching red shoes). All signs of my sudden transformation point to this not happening as 1. there already is a VB, and 2. I am kind of sloppy. So, I will instead be satisfied if she joins our Dream Team of Friends and let's me borrow her shoes and accessories ('cause we all know I am not getting my hulking marathon-ized thighs into any of her clothes).

Last, I give you PRESIDENT Obama and Michelle's first dance at the Inaugural Ball, soundtrack by Beyonce:



Not gonna lie, this brings a tear to my eye... They look so happy! Michelle's pretty dress! THEY TWIRL! Beyonce gets choked up! I am quite happy that we finally have a leader that I can believe in. Good luck to President Obama!

Happy inauguration Weekend!

Posted by: Jen

Goodbye Mr. Bush, don't let the White House door hit you on your way out!

Anyway, Kim is making a pitstop in NY on her way down to cover (heh, I'm assigning you a story Kim) the inauguration! Right now, being the obsessive compulsive neat freak that I am (and living up to my mother's expectations) I am cleaning my apt for her. I would have done it anyway though, as the bf is out in Utah snowboarding and rubbing elbows with famous people at Sundance. I made the last part up. I have nothing interesting to say so I am going to stop now.

Much better.

Posted by: Kim

So happy to see Vogue does right by Blake (of course it does! ... although ... her arm is still vaguely Barbie-snappy-off...-y...overlooking, overlooking!), unlike that W cover that was such an atrocity I'm choosing not to link to my post about it ...



I love her lipstick! (And her hair, per usual, but, the lipstick is something I feel I can actually emulate, so, there you go.)

Does anyone know who made that bracelet, and where I can get it for a few grand less than I'm sure it goes for?

In other news, I'm off to our nation's capital to witness history next week. Over to Jen!

My Internet Is Broken At My House And I Have Canceled All Thinking Until After The Marathon

Posted by: Jen

This is what I look like right now. Kind of.

Excuses, excuses. I am running the Philly Marathon next weekend and all of the training has finally caught up to me. I am way too pooped to rifle through photos of Whitney Port's latest monstrosity or to yell about politics, because while I am PISSED about Prop 8 in CA (I have many thoughts, they will come someday, but good god people, no one wanted to teach your children sodomy and no one was gonna force you to watch, and your marriage would still be as just special as Britney's 24 hour quicky in Vegas, I promise), I am generally still happy/smug about Obama's win. Also, I somehow managed to break my internet at my house, and only get 2 bars when I steal from my neighbors, and I am NEGLECTING THE BLOG AND I AM SORRY. And now I have to go back to work/alternately stare off into space out of sheer exhaustion. Sorry dudes. XOXO

Fame: Barack Has It

Posted by: Jen
Our dear President-Elect (SQUEEEEE! Let me tell you how thrilled I am to say that! I really cannot describe how happy the outcome of the election has made me, but let's just say I am finally, for the first time in my adult life, proud of my country, optimistic, etc etc, USA!!!1, whatever...) seems to have reached the level of global superstar, and is being tracked by the paparazzi. Continue to be a rockstar, Barack! Oh and please make excellent decisions, govern well, and bring good changes to the country as president. I love you, now don't fuck it up. xoxo, Jen

Otters!

Posted by: Kim

I have already begun celebrating, and am appearing briefly here in my Merlot-fueled euphoria to express my joy that Jen has created an 'otters' tag for us.

In other news, Obama Baracks my socks off. Or something. Go blue! I'm looking at you, Pennsylvania.

OBAMA FTW!

Posted by: Jen

Welp, tomorrow is the big day kiddies and we will be voting for Obama, in case you didn't know that by now! You all should too, dear readers, because this election is important, and I really think Obama is up for the job.

I am just really tired of people being closed minded, hateful bitches and would for once like to see the country elect a leader that is progressive. I am tired of the "us vs. them" mentality that so many on the right keep trying to play. I am tired of being called a fake American except when we are talking about 9/11. I am tired of people thinking its ok in 2008 to actively discriminate against someone for race, sexual orientation or gender. I am tired of people using religion for a reason to discriminate against others AND discriminating against people for following a certain religion (or not having one at all). I am tired of health care and the system being absolutely ridiculous (not to mention, "my health" being apparently unimportant). I am tired of seeing my tax money spent on stupid shit, like wars. I am tired of people refusing to believe that all people do not necessary come from an upper middle class white background and that not everyone has the same opportunities as others and then calling the less fortunate "lazy" for not making it. I am tired of being embarrassed of being an American, because you know what? People in other countries think we are absolute idiots over here, and from the past 8 years, I can't blame them. Let's prove them wrong tomorrow and elect a smart, competent, progressive leader for once.

Go Team Liberal Elitists!

Dan And Serena Do A PSA For Obama!

Posted by: Jen



Also, via Salon's Broadsheet: GG Author on which character most resembles Barack Obama: "According to author Cecily von Ziegesar, it’s none other than Blair Waldorf. 'Barack and Blair are both beautiful, passionate, ambitious dreamers. They won’t stop until they get what they want, which gives them a bitchy, sexy edge -- and we like them like that.'"

Oh Man, We Need A Drink SO BAD

Posted by: Kim and Jen
Kim: john picked a lady.
haha
Jennifer: ?
Kim: he's bringing the big guns. like he just got every woman in my office. sheesh. mccain picked his running mate and it's a GIRL
Jennifer: OH
yes
well you know what.
that doesn't convince me that he respects women and I think it shows that he doesn't because he thinks women will go "OH A VAGINA! I WILL VOTE FOR HIM"
fuck that noise
and apparently it works
shit
he plays dirty and I have to say I admire his style
Kim: what 44-year-old woman from alaska is pro-life? wtf.
Jennifer: I KNOW, I KNOW
I'm gonna throw shit
is it official?
I feel like he's copying hillary
Kim: no, he is doing it to get the feminists! the crazy feminists who are mad obama isn't hilary!
it's terrible!
Jennifer: the feminists aren't like that, the feminists know. the only people who wanted hillary and will vote for mccain out of spite are 60+ baby boomers who can't see past their own asses
Kim: there are the crazy ones. i'm reading jezebel. whoo boy. 'i will vote for mccain to prove a point, i suffered bush, i can suffer this.' hi. how about all the women who will actually suffer.
Jennifer: I'm like hyperventilating, this is crazy. look what he had to do to compete with obama!!! you know he wouldn't do it unless he was desperate
Kim: im so angry
Jennifer: I am outraged, it's such a cloying act
fucking a
Kim: all the middle-aged women in my office are like, 'what?! this is fantastic!' omg. omg omg omg.
Jennifer: omg omg omg
Kim: christ. worst night/morning ever. josh beckett's arm is dead and mccain is going to be president. like, i was having a great week as of two days ago! wtf.
Jennifer: fucking a
like the undermining underhandedness is amazing and I have not doubt that john mccain is some kind of super villian. I am so glad I signed up to volunteer for planned parenthood now.
chrisssst
Kim: i cant do work now. i'm busy panicking about the fate of america.
this is terrible... i cant even console myself that he is old and might die. because then we will have a republican bitch prez. wtf. no.
Jennifer: OH MY GOD, THIS IS FUCKED UP