Not all is BAD! There are moments we have to have a bit of a Shirley Temple Outlook during these troubling times. Neiman Marcus has 70% off sales.
If the world is coming to an end you might as well go out clutching a nice bag with a great look. I would HATE for some future Archeologist to dig me up from the ruins of Civilization and I am dressed BADLY! HORRIFIC!
The Struggling Retailer is having Great Markdowns.
NO! I am endorsing Neiman Marcus. Normally, I do not shop in the American Store. It was out of my budget. Now, at least I can think about it.
I would like to say the images of the seize of Capital Hill Washington DC shocked me. In some way “yes” in some ways “no”. Coming from the American South, traditionally, Whites enforced their wills by storming State and County Houses to enforce Jim Crow laws or worse, for lynchings.
The United States has been on an implosion trajectory for decades. The level of despair, inequality, wars and Covid 19 running wild in a country that failed to looked after its citizens. This dry grass needed a spark. Trump unpacked his flame thrower.
19thcentury painter Thomas Cole painting series “America” shows a proud land similar in mentality of the Roman Empire. All empires fall, Rome’s was brutal. Did the curtain on the American Empire come down on January 6th? Certainly for the “Exceptionalism Theory”, history proves the US will not be an exception.
The governing class got a taste of what could come. Social Media images of protesters taking the building with little police opposition made world wide headlines. Who can forget the picture from Speaker Pelosi’s desk? The shirtless horned hat man has become an international celebrity. Expect media deals after the FBI gets finished with him.
As For The Democrats and Republicans
Could the GOP be repentant after years of deciding only they can govern? After seeing some tepid condemnations and a fiery speech by one House of Rep member. My hopes were dashed. Donald’s 76 million voters made clear they are force to be reckoned. The disciples are waiting for a new leader.
As for the so called “opposition”. Democrats are in the clouds looking for corporate parachutes after “public service”.
Cole witnessed the enthusiasm mixed with arrogance of a newly confident country challenging old world European Empires. The English born artist painted “Consummation” . Meaning consumption and prosperity of a Wealthy Empire. “Destruction”, the forth in “The Course of Empire” series paints a scene of violence, an empire dying. The guy had insight 170 years ahead of his time.
Complaceny was a victim yesterday on the steps of the Capital. Heed the visions from past. Empires implode.
The Democrats will take complete control of the United States Government. The historical Georgia win for Raphael Warnock and possible smidgen of a victory for Osloff are significant. Warnock is the first African American Senator from the state with a long reputation of African American Voter Suppression. Replacing GOP candidate Perdue to represent the old Confederate stronghold in Washington is a bitter sweet victory.
As the country reels from a mismanaged Pandemic, getting rid of Trump moved into righteous zealotry. The Dems played this card because they had nothing to offer a frightened populace other than more fear. Running from the wolf you go straight to the mouth of a fox. The Democratic Party does not deserve this slim victory. Their voters are from a place of desperation with no alternatives.
This same political group does not support affordable healthcare during a health crisis. The shambolic placing of Nancy Pelosi as the head of House of Representative shatters all illusions of some type of relief for the lower 98%. The so called progressive wind of the party or “ The Squad” have been labeled “FraudSquad”on social media for not gaining leverage during the leadership vote.
Prop 22
California, the most liberal state in the country with a Democratic government the immediate of effects of Proposition 22 are clear. The anti labor bill sponsored by tech companies is a new form of labor exploitation. Governor Newsom signed the legislation into law switching gig workers from employees to private contractors with no rights or benefits. Vice President Elect Harris’ brother in law help draft the proposition. Albertsons supermarkets, the nations second largest, fired all union delivery drivers. Handing the service to 3rdparty companies with lower salaried workers. The political plan is to roll out this gem of employment trickery across the country.
As for President Biden, expectations are low. The hopes of a second coming of FDR have faded. The $600 stimulus check looks cruel in the face of such uncertainty. This pitiful amount wouldn’t pay a month’s rent on a two room apartment in a second tier city. Perhaps, the political class does not see the food lines on the news.
The hopes of a Democratic reset, a return to the status quo are fanciful, if not dangerously delusional. Trumpism will strive without its leader. Wishing Covid-19 away is not a policy. The economy is on life support.
The Democrats won. Be as that may, over the next 24 months prepare for disappointment.
Side Note. At the time of writitng there is a recall petition in California to replace Democratic Govenor Newsom. Should organizers reach 1.8 million signatures, a new election is triggered.
From our Milan Menswear Shoot by Flora Marsella Cusi. Gabi Thiam at the Borsalino Office wears Colmar Jacket and Mr& Miss Italy toped with The Bogart and Chapeau.
The New Year opened with yet another lockdown. The world is now working from home. A dramatic shift from going to the office to living room then being linked to colleagues via Zoom. The New Normal makes connected tech more important.
My headphone of choice these days has been the Jabra Evolve2-40. Positioned as an office headset, I use the device everyday all the time at home for conferences, interviews and teaching. The Evolve quickly evolved into my normal day workhouse device.
Mute Light
Evolve 2-40
Control Buttons
Mic
Carrying Case
Comfort
As an instructor, I have classes up to 3 straight hours with students. Comfort is a must for headgear. The cushions and headband feel nice, not getting hot on the ears or head after a long period of time.
I can feel the care for design with the weight and material quality. The Evolve 2-40 ear cups are lightweight foam that don’t sweat. The oval form earphone cups pivot easily adjusted for personal fit.
On the right side there are control buttons for sound, play music and answering online calls.
The swivel microphone is easy to use. The red light on the USB port alerts me when the mic is mute. Having two people in a small place home doing home office tasks is challenging. The Evolve 2-40 is equipped with noise isolation technology. This enables me to work while the other person in the room is having his digital work conferences.
Soft Ear Cups
USB Connect
Connectivity is easy either with USB-A or USB-C connections.
The one disadvantage of the USB connection is the incompatibility with my tech devices. I had to carry a second set of headphones.
The Evolve 2-40 comes with a black carry case for travel.
After everyday usage, my conclusion on the Jabra Evolve 2-40 is as a headset offers premium sound quality. Jabra may not be a household name compared its competitors, but this has not stopped the brand from making an excellent device worthing of attention.
Check local stores for availability or go to Jabra.com
Breaking the montony of the most recent Lockdown, I went to Tierpark Zoo. Many zoos are suffering a decline in visitors due to the Coronavirus. The two Berlin attractions requested people visit their attractions to help offset revenue losses. A pleasant way to get out of the house, please support your local Zoo.
The top Champagne Brand in the world goes to Moet and sister brands, Dom Perignon and Veuve Clicquot, which sold a combined 64.7 million bottles with prices starting at $40 a bottle.
Moet Chandon tops the list
Celebrate the New Year with the drink celebrations.
Sadly, Champagne sales dropped 23% in 2020 due to closures resulting in 100 million unsold bottles this year. Let’s get rid rid of that stat in 2021. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
French Italian fashion designer Pierre Cardin passed away yesterday. France 24 remembers the groundbreaking designer known for his futuristic styles using shapes and materials. A true pioneer in the fashion world had a sixty year career in fashion working for Christian Dior. Cardin created styles for luminaries as The Beatles and Elizabeth Taylor.
