Rainbow of pantsuits

Gee whiz. You open your laptop to write a blog and before you know it you're knee deep in Borat clips on YouTube. Hours have passed. It's now dark outside. My leg is numb from this weird position I'm sitting in. Oh Internet, you little devil you. Come back here with my precious time.

Back to the matter at hand. I was listening to 'The Takeaway' on NPR today (yep - I'm smart) and it was all about Hillary Clinton's wardrobe.

As you'd expect, the whole segment was terrible. They interviewed a lady named Robin Givhan who is the Pulitzer-Prize-winning fashion editor for The Washington Post. She talked about how Hil first started to wear pantsuits back when she was first lady.

"You could almost hear the sigh of relief when she finally said, 'enough with these pink skirtsuits and headbands!'"

Did you almost hear the sigh? I didn't almost hear the sigh, but I'll take Robin's word for it.

Then she goes on to talk about how Hillary took things a step further during her senate run, choosing to wear only a black pantsuit as a sort of uniform.

"It gave her the same kind of freedom that a dark suit gives men, which is that it took the conversation of clothing off the table."

Well, it obviously didn't take the conversation of clothing off the table completely. You are, after all, currently discussing her clothing on national radio right now.

Robin continues:

"When she ran for president the first time and had that rainbow of pantsuits, I think to some degree she was again sort of struggling with this idea of power and femininity, and 'how much can I embrace being a woman and declare that as part of my campaign."

What the actual F.

I highly doubt Hillary Clinton was agonizing over which shade of pantsuit portrayed the right level of femininity.

My main problem with this—what made me want to scrape my ear drums out with a rusty spoon—was the way that they tried to frame the typical 'fluff piece on a female politician's clothing' into some sort of enlightening feminist thinkpiece. Come on, NPR. Just admit that you wanted to talk about Hilary's pantsuits because they're funny. Don't try to make it deeper than that.


 

Now that's more like it!  No, it's not a traditional costume from East Asia. It's the actual coat she wore over her actual dress to the actual 1993 Inaugural Ball.

Image by Henry Dunay via Wikimedia Commons

See ya,
Margaret

P.S. I mean, I love Project Runway as much as the next guy, but there's a Pulitzer Prize for fashion writing? Really? OK, that's fine. Fashion is art. Fine! I get it. It's OK. Nevermind.

P.P.S. Did you know that Hillary Clinton watches 'Real Housewives of New York'? My source: Dorinda Medley (so take it with a grain of salt)

Canada Actually

Have you ever seen part of a tree branch—sawed on each side—resting perfectly between two telephone wires?

I'm not sure if it's a common phenomenon, but there are two examples of this in the Arrowhead neighborhood of Kenmore, Washington alone. And boy is it captivating. How do the tree-branch-chunks end up trapped between the wires? Why didn't the tree cutters remove it, along with the rest of the branch? How have the chunks not fallen down in a wind storm?

If you don't have a clue what I'm talking about, that's OK. I have a SECOND topic for tonight's blog post.

The other topic...POLITICS!

Stephen Harper's nine-year reign as Canadian prime minister is over. And the new guy, Liberal party leader Justin Trudeau, is a hunk! Look at him! Looks like he could star alongside Kate Hudson in a rom-com aimed at 30-somethings. I mean, his name is Justin. Canada's fate is now in the hands of a guy named Justin. I love it. The future is now.

Sorry, ladies - he's taken!

Image by Jean-Marc Carisse via Wikimedia Common

Also, his dad was once the Canadian prime minister back in the day, which makes this election pretty historic. However, it seems his family connections were only incidental in his victory. The main reason he won is that people are sick of Stephen Harper. Nine years is probably enough. (That said, Canada's longest reigning PM was in office for 21 years!)

In other political news, Joe Biden—this country's hunkiest politician—is expected to announce his bid for presidency any minute now.

Goodnight,
Margaret

P.S. It's always so embarrassing when you can't remember the Canadian leader's name and you're talking to a Canadian. Do yourself a favor and memorize it right now. Repeat it 10 times to yourself:

Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau

What globalization taught us about Goldfish crackers

When Andy ate his first Goldfish cracker he nibbled on it for a while and then said, "Hmm. Tastes like celery."

I was like, "What? Celery!? You're insane."

Then I looked at the ingredients and there it was: celery salt.

Sometimes it takes a foreigner to point out the stuff you've been missing all your life. When I first met Andy, he was in favor of the monarchy, for Christ's sake! I explained to him that having a Queen, ceremonial as she may be, is a joke in this day and age. He thought about it, engaged with that new idea for a few minutes, and then updated his opinion on the matter.

One time he pointed out to me that I say "I feel like" at the end of my sentences. For example, "You really don't see as many frappuccinos these days I feel like". Now that he's pointed it out, I notice everyone doing it. It's a Pacific Northwest thing I feel like.

Is it time we start allowing babies in bars? 

Anyway, all this is to say that mingling with outsiders—dirty foreigners like Andy—is a good thing. We can learn a lot from one another if we look beyond our borders. Brits can teach us good pub etiquette, particularly when it comes to buying 'rounds'. We can teach them that you don't have to spend ten minutes building up to a goodbye and then ten more minutes actually saying goodbye.

You know what the Japanese can teach us? How to install a bloody earthquake alert system in Seattle!!

I don't know what Donald Trump is on about. We don't need less immigration, we need more. Much, much more.

Wow, I didn't expect it to get political there in the end. Did you see that coming? You just never know where Madgespace will take you, particularly when you're writing stream of consciousness, which is about 89% of this blog.

Tally-ho you knobheads,
Margaret

Election Day!

....in the UK.

The voting booths open at 7am tomorrow morning, and the latest polls are predicting a hung parliament. I haven't been following this election as closely as I would have liked, but from what I've gathered, voters are split on who to choose because everyone's terrible. All the usual options—Labour, Tory, LibDem—are led by baffoons.

There's the reigning PM David Cameron (posh-babyfaced-baffoon), Labour leader Ed Milliband (nasal-claymation baffoon) and LibDem leader Nick Clegg (yellow-skinned-weakling baffooon).

The only party with any razzle-dazzle are the Scottish National Party. They've pretty much wiped out Labour to become Scotland's ruling party. Their leader, Nicola Sturgeon, is smart and seems to be the only one capable of speaking in a way that even remotely resembles authentic, passionate debate.

Nicky S.
Image by The Scottish Government via Wikimedia Commons

Now, we're all the way over here in America. Why should you care about the UK elections? Honestly, there isn't a good reason. It's not going to impact your life in any way. But here's why I think the three paragraphs above were worth reading:

1. You can mention the elections to someone and sound smart.

2. You'll remember to see who wins and then you'll know the name of the UK's head of state (I thought it was Tony Blair when I first moved to Scotland, and then it turned out to be some guy named Gordon Brown. I felt so out of touch!).

3. You can use it as an opportunity to study the differences between a parliamentary system and a presidential system.


GOODNIGHT OMG I'M SO TIRED OMG BYE GOODNIGHT,

Margaret

Must put duct tape over my webcam

I watched the Edward Snowden documentary 'Citizenfour' last night with Andy.

When the Snowden stuff first leaked, I knew that I should be outraged, but it was so much easier to be apathetic. I knew that the stuff the government was doing was unjust, but ignoring it felt better than caring. If I cared about it, I might feel compelled to do something about it. And that never works. Protesting? Campaigning? Please. Haters gonna hate, bankers gonna bank and spies gonna spy, lie, spy, lie, spy. There's no stopping them and we're all doomed.

Plus, the sheer scope of surveillance, the high-tech tools involved and, I'll admit it, even the "but terrorism" argument, clouded the conversation for me. With the latest episode of 'Real Housewives' streaming the next tab over, the choice was easy: read nothing else about it and hope for the best.

But the documentary forced my head out of the sand. As the extent of the NSA's spying was revealed, I kept thinking about Watergate. What Nixon did was minuscule potatoes compared to the NSA and he was forced to resign just two years after the break-in. This June it will be two years since Snowden's big reveal—will there be any retribution for the government officials involved?

So, now I have this belated outrage and have no clue what to do about it. Is there something I can sign? Is there someone I can vote for? Would eating another oatmeal chocolate chip cookie help? Because if it would, I'm happy to do it. They're right here in this tupperware next to me, so it's no inconvenience at all. I'll eat as many as it takes.

Anyway, I'll conclude with two suggestions:

1. Watch the movie if/when it's screening in your city. 
It's so interesting that I actually said, aloud, during the middle of it, "This is interesting!"

2. Put duct tape over your webcam.
Do this if, like me, you like to use your laptop whilst sitting on the toilet before getting in the shower (naked as a jay bird). Nowhere in the film does it mention the NSA hacking into people's webcams, but now I'm paranoid.

Good luck comrades,
Margaret

People I didn't realise were still alive

Dick Van Dyke (age 89)

Image via Wikimedia Commons

The same year that Dick Van Dyke was born, a major Diphtheria epidemic broke out in Alaska, Hitler published Mein Kampf and Calvin Coolidge became the first US president to have his inauguration broadcast via radio. Also, nobody found the name Dick Van Dyke funny. Not a single person.

Henry Kissinger (age 91)

Image via Wikimedia Commons

This dude should be Andy's hero in so much that he proves foreigners can go to America and play a massive, strategic role in its foreign policy for decades, forever altering the country's history. The photo above is Kissinger casually walking down a hall whilst chatting with Mao. Yep. That Mao. Mao Zedong. 

Doris Day (age 90)

Image via Wikimedia Commons

That woman that they sing about in Grease is still alive. She's been married four times. All of her husbands are dead. #UsGalsLiveLonger #TakeThatPatriarchy

Zsa Zsa Gabor (age 98)

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Honestly, I didn't even know who Zsa Zsa Gabor was other than some lady with a funny name from the olden days. Turns out that she IS (not was) a Hungarian-American socialite and actress. Despite numerous health scares, including having to amputate her right leg, the saucy minx is still alive. In fact, she celebrated her 98th birthday yesterday! 

Pope Benedict XVI (age 87)

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Oh yeah, Ratzinger's still kickin'! See, this is what happens when you decide to retire instead of die. It seems the much better way to get out of work, no?

Sidney Poitier (age 87)

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Not only is "Mist-ah Sidney Poitier" still alive, but he's currently serving as the Bahamian ambassador to Japan!

Hosni Mubarak (age 86)

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Yeah, that guy who was FINALLY overthrown following massive uprisings and violent protests in Egypt? He's alive. Nobody ended up killing him. I just assumed somebody would have, as that's how these things tend to play out, but nope, he's just in jail on murder charges. He's expected to be released soon. 

Fidel Castro (age 88)

Image by Louis Korda via Wikimedia Commons

Whaaaa? He took office back when Eisenhower was president. His biggest rival? JFK! Still, somehow this giant, cigar-smoking, field-cap-wearing communist beardface who represents all that America stands against is only 88 years old. That's only two years older than Mubarak. Hmm. Mubarak must dye his hair. 

I DESPISE ageism and, as Anne Hathaway would say, I don't mean to be gauche, but I must confess that I typed this post at lightening speed just in case any of these folks died before I finished! It was stressful! My fingers are sweaty and sore. 

YOLO, 

Margaret

Things that polarise us (plus a bonus review of this week's 'Serial')

America just had mid-term elections. Living in the UK (and banned from voting for being gone too long), I'm out of the loop when it comes to American politics. But if I had to guess, I would say that there have probably been a lot of heated debates both online and in the 'real' world over hot button issues like guns, abortion, taxes and all that fun stuff. How exhausting it can be...

If you've found yourself in the midst of a political debate with a friend, coworker or relative, and thought to yourself, "Christ! How did I wind up here? Can I rewind? I'm in too deep!", then here's my advice:

1. Recognise that there's no such thing as a right opinion. OK, occasionally someone will have their facts wrong. If that's the case, you might just be able to convince them with some statistics. But the root of 99% of political arguments is IDEOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES! There's not much you can do about that other than try to understand where they're coming from and agree to disagree.

2. Care a little bit less. Apathy is underrated. You don't have to completely hide your passion under a bushel, but try to calm the shize down a bit. My sister Anna once taught me that the person who cries in an argument always, always loses. Maybe you're not crying in these political debates with your cousin/neighbour/colleague but, trust me, it's obvious if you're getting emotional.

I came across this great infographic showing the typical divisions between the Left and the Right. Reading through it, it's clear that both sides form their opinions based on certain values. When you identify with a certain side on one issue, it's simply because you're prioritising one value over another (e.g. equality over fairness). But the point is, there is value on both sides.

Click to expand.
Image by David McCandless & Stefanie Posavec via InformationIsBeautiful.net

There's also a UK version of the infographic (tweaked slightly).

Serial Episode 7: Review 

SPOILER ALET, this review contains spoilers. 

Speaking of polarising, the latest episode of 'Serial' is dividing the podcast's fans into two camps. Based on what I've gleaned lurking on the Serial subreddit, it seems people either:

• LOVE the episode and appreciate the break in character/evidence related plot points in favour of a more 'big picture' narrative. They see it as a "breathe of fresh air."

• HATE the episode, feel like they've learned nothing new about the case and are annoyed there aren't more hard facts to investigate before next Thursday comes along. They see it as a "waste of time." 

My thoughts? Well, being the nuanced, emotionally mature intellectual that I am, the episode both excited and disappointed me. I'm in both camps. OF COURSE it was thrilling to hear that The Innocence Project is investigating Adnan's case. And OF COURSE it was unsatisfying to have no new insight into the details of the investigation.

If I had to lean closer toward one camp, I would go with the LOVE folks. After all, I feel dissatisfied after every episode, simply because I'm always left wanting more (and I suspect that won't change, even after the series is over). So I'm used to feeling this way. It's part of what makes Serial so great.

I change my mind on Adnan after every episode too. This week, he's innocent (DUH). But next week, I'm sure I'll have diagnosed him a textbook sociopath. You wouldn't want me on your jury, I can tell you that!

If you're a Serial fan and haven't yet delved into the deep Serial web, here are some good resources worth checking out:

• Serial subreddit — Where the Internet gathers to discuss Serial. Heck, even Beau Willimon, head writer of 'House of Cards', created an account to get in on the discussion (although his posts are longwinded, philosophical nonsense, sadly). 

• Slate's Serial Spoiler Specials — Yep, a podcast about a podcast. David Haglund, Katy Waldman and Mike Pesca discuss the latest episode, what they liked, what they didn't, the story's narrative arc, predictions, etc.

• Rabia Chandry's blog— The lawyer and friend of Adnan who first introduced Sarah Koenig to the case. She's obviously majorly Team Adnan, so that's worth keeping in mind. 

Later,
Margaret

For Your Information, Edition 1

Here we go.

'For Your Information' is another recurring blog post theme you can expect to see here on Madgespace from time to time. Each FYI blog post will feature a list of facts that you may find useful.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

For your information, Sunday 19th October 2014

Science

• This University of Washington study shows what amazing observers toddlers are. It's really interesting and also kind of funny.

Around the world

• A Russian submarine has run into trouble off the coast of Sweden. Hmmm....what exactly is it doing there?

Sports

• The Seahawks traded Percy Harvin because apparently he almost broke Golden Tate's neck last year. It's a big deal because he's a really good football player.

• Mario Balotelli missed a wide open shot today. Why always him?

Entertainment

• A new 'Top Chef' (Boston) has started. There's been one episode so far. 

• A new 'Project Runway All Stars' season starts on the 30th of this month.

• The Michael Keaton / Zach Galifianakis / Edward Norton / Emma Stone / Naomi Watts dramedy film 'Birdman' opened in cinemas on Friday. It currently has a 92% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is already garnering Oscar buzz. Watch the trailer.

• The artist formerly known as P!nk is now part of a folk/country duo called 'You+Me'. They've released their first album and recently performed on Ellen.

Celebs

• Missy Elliot is skinny now.

• Beyonce got herself some terrible short bangs (fringe). 

Goodbye, 

Margaret

George Bush, smear tests & other Tuesday stuff

George W. Bush walked past me on Princes Street today. I stopped and starred, mouth agape, head tilted to the side. He was in a cheap suit and wore a company ID card on a lanyard around his neck. His face was wrinkled and skinnier than it looked on TV. He had a crumpled McDonald's bag in his hand and was headed toward a trash bin to throw it away.

It wasn't George W. Bush after all. But the guy looked just like him.

I started walking again, and thought to myself: I bet he's used to that — people staring at him all the time. Kind of like how people at Gonzaga would catch my eye and wonder how they knew me. It was from the bagel shop, of course. But I could always tell they were struggling to place me.

George Bush? Or an insurance salesman from Edinburgh? You be the judge.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons

My near run-in with the former president also got me thinking about politics in general.

How can we live in a world with such high quality television, yet such a mediocre to terrible governing class? Why is it that an amazing new iPhone model is released every year, but politicians have been notoriously out of touch for as long as I can remember?

No matter where on the political spectrum you fall, most of us recognise how darn right silly the people who run our countries tend to be. And although, come election season, we like to root for our guy to win, the truth is that none of the candidates are that different or that good. This is particularly evident when one of them comes to power and our day-to-day lives change very little, if at all.

I'm not saying anything that hasn't been said before. So, let's move on.

I also got a 'smear test' today. Or, as I tend to pronounce it, schmear test. For some reason, certain words—like scheme, smarmy and smolder—bring out the Sean Connery in me.

It wasn't my first smear, and it won't be my last. All part of being a female in the world. Beyonce should write a song about it.

While she swabbed my innermost hoo-ha, the lady and I chatted about the pros and cons of being self-employed.

"Yes, it's a bit of a risk going freelance, but nothing beats being your own boss."

"Aye, that's true. So what kind of copywriting is it?"

"Oh, just for websites mainly. Sometimes for small businesses, and other times for digital agencies."

"Aye, ah, yes, OK."


OK, great! Despite scraping the bottom of the uterus barrel for topics, I've still managed to churn out yet another post. Job done.

See you back here tomorrow for Day 17 of this never-ending blogging adventure.

Your pal,
Margaret

Referendum morning — some snaps

'Tis referendum day! I'm lucky to be in Edinburgh for such a momentous occasion. As an American, I don't get to vote (can't be trusted—I totally understand). But that's OK, because it's nice to take in the action from the sidelines. Reminds me of when I made the 7th grade basketball team and then was benched for the entire season after a ridiculous half court shot attempt in game one. I was relieved (was always more of a choir girl than a baller).

The city is buzzing with supporters from both camps, as well as journalists from around the world. I tried to tune in to the news this morning, but for some reason our BBC channels haven't been working for us (all pixelated...I want my TV license money back!).

So, I put my shoes back on, grabbed the camera and hit the mean streets of Edinburgh to take in the atmosphere first hand. Take that Gonzaga University journalism department! You said I'd never amount to anything, but look at me now. Only kidding, they didn't say that.

Outside a newsagent on Canongate.

Lothian Chambers polling place on George IV Bridge.

A 'Yes' truck on Queen's Drive. 

Chalk graffiti near the Chambers on the Royal Mile. 

'No' signs are smaller and sparser. However, 'No' still leads the polls by 6 points, and many believe that the quiet 'No' vote will be the deciding factor.

Referendum reminder outside Holyrood. In case anyone forgets, today's the day to vote.

Team Bible taking advantage of the additional foot traffic near George IV Bridge.

Remnants of a 'Yes' sticker on a Royal Mile bin. 

Ari Shapiro from NPR (yes, our NPR) stands near the Heart of Midlothian and interviews a dude about independence. 

Yes, yes, yes from one flat in Canongate. 

Catalan independence supporter outside Holyrood. 

Signs outside the Lothian Chambers polling place on George IV Bridge. 

Cypriot 'Yes' supporter on Holyrood Drive.

Message from The Scotsman on a post on George IV Bridge. 

High Street wellhead sharing in the joy of democracy at work. 

Pro-union support from a flat on George IV Bridge.

Lots of honking in the Grassmarket this morning, but the latest polls still predict a 'No'. 

Classic shenanigans from William Chambers. 

Joke shop on Victoria Street has all the referendum gear you're looking for, including a unicorn mask (Scotland's national animal)

Early results expected at 2am tomorrow morning.

UPDATE: and it's a 'No', as expected. Andy and I went back out right before the polls closed. Here are a few more snaps of the hopeful 'Yes' revellers before the results were in.

Candles outside St.Giles Cathedral in the design of both the Scottish and Catalan flags.

Some boisterous 'Yes' supporters make their way down the mile, chanting "We still love you, even if you're 'No', even if you're 'No', even if you're 'No'" in the tune of 'Yellow Submarine'. They just hugged those guys by the red car.

Scottish flags outside the Parliament.

'Yes' and 'No' supporters (but mainly 'Yes') gather outside the Scottish Parliament.  

Bicycle 'Yes' flare.

Group of 'Yes' supporters pose for photo.

People outside the Kilderkin pub on Canongate.

Things got a bit heated (but for the most part remained polite) outside the Lothian Chambers polling place just after polls closed at 10pm. 

Cheerio,
Margaret

P.S. Your move, Cascadia.