How to Trust your President in 100 days or less

It's been 100 days since President Barack Obama took the oath of office on the steps of our capital, and now the public is offering their report card. I personally think the president has done an excellent job. I honestly feel confident President Obama is serious about taking the country in a new direction, and that makes me happy.

He closed Gitmo, lifted the ban on stem cell research, and set a date for ending US engagement in Iraq. His big trip oversees went well and seemed to effect international opinion of America. But the President's early days in office haven't been all smooth sailing. Who could forget the drama surrounding the AIG bonuses, the bailouts, Rush Limbaugh, pirates, the stimulus package, or those crazy Cabinet confirmations? Nonetheless, through it all our president has faced each situation with confidence, resolve and courage.

First Lady Michelle Obama has also done an excellent job. She is a beautiful example of everything a wife and mother should be: intelligent, supportive, dedicated, gorgeous, and personable. She absolutely reaffirms the old adage, behind every great man is a great woman.

Yep, the Obama's have made me proud these first 100 days, not because I agree with everything they have done, but because I trust them. I trust them to keep this country safe, I trust them to restore America's image around the world, and above all I trust them to do what's right. God Bless America.

A Classified Killer!

Most craigslist users are aware of the indecency housed over on the left side of the criagslist homepage, but recent events have brought the craigslist 'personals' under new scrutiny.

Boston University student, Philip Markoff, already suspected of murdering 25 year old masseuse, Julissa Brisman, will have to explain why his fingerprints were found in a hotel room where a stripper claims she was tied up and held at gunpoint. As if this is not horrific enough, police suspect Markoff's involvement in other murders and assaults as well.

This is so disturbing to me. Markoff was surrounded by friends and family who loved him yet had no idea he could be so evil. It is rumored his fiance has called off the wedding, but what would you expect? Could you imagine finding out the man you were going to spend the rest of your life with was a total psychopath? She's got to be absolutely heartbroken.

The tragedy in this story rests in how close to home it hits for everyone. It is so completely disturbing to think we could all be so close to a classified killer and not even know. Which begs the question, how well does anyone really know their lover?

Be careful when responding to online classifieds. Make sure even if you are only going to pick up furniture, or view an apartment you always bring someone with you, and let people know where you are going before you go.

Derrick Rose is Blooming!

Derrick Rose is a twenty year old cutie that will have you singing "Age Ain't Nothin' but a Number" with new conviction. He's the new Chicago Bull, and Chicagoans from North to South are loving him.

A Chicago native, Rose has been absolutely wowing Bulls fans with his on court genius. His speed, agility and confidence are not typical of a rookie; so when Rose was named NBA's Rookie of the Year, it was no surprise. He is only the third Chicago Bull to receive the honor, preceded by Michael Jordan and Elton Brand.

Rose averages an impressive 6.3 assists, and 18.9 scoring points per game, and has decisively lead his team during the post- season.

As an Illinois native and a life long Bulls fan, Rose gets me excited. And not just because he looks good while he does his thing. He is only a rookie and he has already made it clear that he is focused on his game. When many NBA players come to the NBA ready to spend some of that brand new money, Rose has been able to return to his hometown a millionaire, and still his game is his number one priority. Teammate Joakim Noah emphasizes this point.

"You tell me another No. 1 pick who got to the playoffs in their hometown, especially in a big city with so many distractions and so many things going on. I mean, he's all about one thing and that's winning basketball games, and that's what I respect about him."

After stint in the NBA wilderness, it seems the Bulls are really getting their squad together.

Ben Gordon has contributed a stellar performance this season. Luol Deng has been out for a groin strain, but his dedication and skill will no doubt bring him back next season a strong asset. Other players like Salmons, Hinrich and Noah have also boosted my confidence in Chicago.

I will admit I was a little hesitant when I heard they had taken on new head coach Vinny Del Negro, a virtual unknown, but his presence has at minimal provided the Bulls with clear leadership and focus.

I see championship rings in our near future. It feels so good to be good again, GO BULLS!

Fashionably Late. Why waiting a few months made this puchase all worth it

I recently acquired a pair of shoes that I have fallen in love with, Brian Atwood's Kendra pump (pictured right). I call them the "Grey B.A.'s". Grey because they are Grey (surprise), and B.A. standing for Brian Atwood (bigger surprise). The round-toed shoe is suede. A small platform is subtly wrapped in Grey python; which matches the "candy-cane stripe" that adorns the 'A' shaped heel. It is a woman's shoe, the kind we absolutely love. The kind we wear to work, and a night out on the town.

While much of my love for the shoes is based purely in aesthetic preferences, I am most attracted to the shoes because of what they represent to me: Affordable luxury. I never would have been able to afford these shoes at full price, not even 50% the original price, in fact even at 75% off the original price these shoes would have been completely unaffordable. But I was smart and lucky. I made a stop at the Saks 5th Avenue outlet store, Off 5th and I got these amazing shoe for less than 15% of the original price. That's over 85% off! For only a small fraction of my student loan money I was able to purchase a seat on the other side of the glass (wearing my Grey B.A.s of course).

I am really happy with these shoes. Grey is a neutral that compliments so many other colors. I'm looking forward to a long and beautiful relationship with my Grey B.A.'s. I imagine the many nights we will spend together, the places we will go, and the stories we will tell. In the words of Bogey, "This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship".

Leave comments and let me know your opinion of the shoes. Give me pairing tips, or tell me about some of your awesome luxury finds.

Product Improvement Alert! (iPhone)

The iPhone is a modern piece of technology that has integrated itself into the lives of so many people in such a way that it is considered by a vast number of users absolutely indispensable. How many of us have heard our friends utter things like,"I can't imagine life without my iPhone"? How many of us have been that friend? Well there is a reason. Leaving your cell phone at home for a day will surely make any person feel, well, naked. But leaving your iPhone at home makes one feel completely cut-off. Cut off from your social networks, cut of from your business dealings, cut off from the latest in breaking news, ultimately cut off from the addictive luxurious convenience provided by the iPhone's presence. Clearly, I love this device, and that love is often expressed through constructive criticism.

Fellow iPhoners, follow me. The iPhone comes with some software applications pre-installed. One of which is "Maps". This application is capable of providing directions, performing GPS functions, and mapping routes just to name a few. Yet, in comparing this "app" to other "apps" I think a couple of simple upgrades would absolutely improve the quality of my experience with the "Maps app".

First I would like to see a software upgrade that automatically detects its user's current location. Currently the user has to request the activation of the GPS in order to detect a current location, which is mildly frustrating when you are trying to get directions in a hurry. Certainly there will be times when the user does not want the GPS to automatically detect their location, thus, there should also be a prompt allowing users to cancel automatic location detection. This is a feature that is offered on downloadable apps such as UrbanSpoon so it seems like something Apple could easily add to the "Maps" application.

The second software update I would like to see is another improvement on the "Maps app". When the application gives the user directions, the user can opt for a map of the route or a list of turn by turn directions. How amazing would it be if users could also get voice directions? This would be most beneficial in the car when a user is trying to drive and get directions simultaneously. Reading directions and driving is not easy, let alone safe. I'm sure with all the voice command software out there on mobile devices, this would not be too difficult to add to the application. For heaven's sake, it's a safety feature.

While I do recognize that this post may be evidence that I need to spend a little less time with my iPhone, I say while I ween myself down I'd still like to see some improvements.