Thursday, January 31, 2019
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Andy Borowitz - The End of Trump
Andy Borowitz
"The End of Trump" - The New Yorker contributor discusses Nazis, Donald Trump and impeachment, and the starting of his own movement, Elitism. Stay with to the end - it is worth watching.
America has spoken.
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Feminine Differential - Pants
Difference Between Male & Female Pants
by Amy Guettler ; Updated September 28, 2017
Whether it's jeans, dress pants or more casual designs, the differences between pants designed for men and those designed for women are subtly varied. As most pants are crafted in the same manner, it's often just little distinctions that separate a man's pant from those designed for a woman.
...
While a huge variety of colors are available to both sexes, women are far more likely to choose brighter colored, patterned or decorated pants. Men, on the other hand, tend either to stick to traditional men's patterns such as hounds tooth, pinstripe or plaid, or to solid, darker colored pants.
Read the whole article here at Our Everyday Life.
Here also is a Quora aricle on "Can men wear women's jeans?"
Here is my favorite comment:
If he’s purchased the jeans for himself, they’re no longer women’s jeans, they’re men’s jeans. Since he is a man, and he is the owner of the jeans, and assuming they fit him, he can absolutely wear them. Jonathan
Monday, January 28, 2019
WWJD - The "No" Hope Shelter
I find this absolutely absurd. "Shame on you" the Hope Center Shelter in Anchorage Alaska - Ask yourself - "WWJD?"
BY RACHEL D'ORO, Associated Press
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A faith-based women's homeless shelter in Anchorage is suing to block the city from requiring it to accept transgender women, which it said would violate its religious beliefs.
Lawyers for Alliance Defending Freedom filed a motion in federal court Thursday seeking an injunction to stop the city from applying its gender identity law to the Hope Center shelter in Anchorage. The conservative Christian law firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona, says homeless shelters are exempt from the local law, yet the city has used the law to "investigate, harass, and pressure" the downtown shelter.
"The injunction would mean that Anchorage can't apply the ordinance to the Hope Center in order to force the Hope Center to allow men to come in the shelter and sleep and undress alongside these vulnerable homeless women," Denise Harle, an attorney with the alliance, said Thursday.
Denise Harle, an attorney with the conservative Christian law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, poses outside the Hope Center women's shelter in downtown, Anchorage, Alaska, Nov. 1, 2018. The Southern Poverty Law Center has identified the alliance as an LBGT hate group, one that seeks to push transgender people “back into the shadows.”
The shelter operators filed a federal lawsuit against the city and its Equal Rights Commission in August, months after a transgender woman complained to the commission that she was denied entry at the shelter.
Because the matter is not resolved, Thursday's filing is premature, and so is the request for injunctive relief, said Deputy Municipal Attorney Deitra Ennis, who represents the city and its Equal Rights Commission in the matter. The commission began an investigation after the transgender woman complained she was denied housing at the shelter.
The commission's investigation has not been concluded "due in large part to the noncooperation of the Hope Center," Ennis said in a statement provided to The Associated Press. She said the commission had reached no decision or enforcement action before Thursday's court motion.
"There is strong federal policy not to intervene in local agency proceedings prior to any enforcement action or state court review of local code interpretation," she wrote.
The plaintiffs said the individual identified only as "Jessie Doe" showed up inebriated after hours in January and was not turned away because of gender. The shelter officials even paid for a taxicab ride to a local hospital for the individual, who had a forehead wound from fighting at another shelter, to do "the loving thing" rather than involving police, Harle said. Center officials did not call for an ambulance because the wound did not appear to be an emergency, she said.
The same individual showed up the following day and again was denied entry, according to Thursday's motion.
Because the city continues to pursue the transgender issue, plaintiffs want to the federal court to weigh in and make clear once and for all that nothing the shelter is doing is violating the law, Harle said.
Alliance Defending Freedom also represented a Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. In a limited decision, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with the baker, but it did not rule on the larger issue of whether businesses can invoke religious objections to refuse service to gays and lesbians.
Note: Let me know if you have any deserving candidates for the CINO award?
_________________________
BY RACHEL D'ORO, Associated Press
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A faith-based women's homeless shelter in Anchorage is suing to block the city from requiring it to accept transgender women, which it said would violate its religious beliefs.
Lawyers for Alliance Defending Freedom filed a motion in federal court Thursday seeking an injunction to stop the city from applying its gender identity law to the Hope Center shelter in Anchorage. The conservative Christian law firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona, says homeless shelters are exempt from the local law, yet the city has used the law to "investigate, harass, and pressure" the downtown shelter.
"The injunction would mean that Anchorage can't apply the ordinance to the Hope Center in order to force the Hope Center to allow men to come in the shelter and sleep and undress alongside these vulnerable homeless women," Denise Harle, an attorney with the alliance, said Thursday.
Denise Harle |
Denise Harle, an attorney with the conservative Christian law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, poses outside the Hope Center women's shelter in downtown, Anchorage, Alaska, Nov. 1, 2018. The Southern Poverty Law Center has identified the alliance as an LBGT hate group, one that seeks to push transgender people “back into the shadows.”
The shelter operators filed a federal lawsuit against the city and its Equal Rights Commission in August, months after a transgender woman complained to the commission that she was denied entry at the shelter.
Because the matter is not resolved, Thursday's filing is premature, and so is the request for injunctive relief, said Deputy Municipal Attorney Deitra Ennis, who represents the city and its Equal Rights Commission in the matter. The commission began an investigation after the transgender woman complained she was denied housing at the shelter.
The commission's investigation has not been concluded "due in large part to the noncooperation of the Hope Center," Ennis said in a statement provided to The Associated Press. She said the commission had reached no decision or enforcement action before Thursday's court motion.
"There is strong federal policy not to intervene in local agency proceedings prior to any enforcement action or state court review of local code interpretation," she wrote.
The plaintiffs said the individual identified only as "Jessie Doe" showed up inebriated after hours in January and was not turned away because of gender. The shelter officials even paid for a taxicab ride to a local hospital for the individual, who had a forehead wound from fighting at another shelter, to do "the loving thing" rather than involving police, Harle said. Center officials did not call for an ambulance because the wound did not appear to be an emergency, she said.
The same individual showed up the following day and again was denied entry, according to Thursday's motion.
Because the city continues to pursue the transgender issue, plaintiffs want to the federal court to weigh in and make clear once and for all that nothing the shelter is doing is violating the law, Harle said.
Alliance Defending Freedom also represented a Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. In a limited decision, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with the baker, but it did not rule on the larger issue of whether businesses can invoke religious objections to refuse service to gays and lesbians.
Note: Let me know if you have any deserving candidates for the CINO award?
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Political Cartoons 1-27
Another cartoonist loses his job. This does not bode well for the future of newspaper cartooning. (Washington Post article)
This week the 1993 Pulitzer Prize winner was laid off as part of a staff reductions. Steve Benson, winner of the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning, was laid off Wednesday by parent company Gannett Co., Inc. - A sad day. One readers comment: "Editorial cartoonists are increasingly rare in American newsrooms; those with the punch and talent of a Benson are still rarer."
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Friday, January 25, 2019
Continuing the Tradition - "SheNeal"
Yesterday I briefly mentioned the Colony Hotel, Palm Beach. It is one of the boutique hotels located on "The Island". I don't know how long the Happy Hour "Thursdays" have been going on, but I know they go back for a while. Caitlin and I make an effort to drop in whenever the two of us are free on Thursday and have become known. Kind of hard to miss us...
There are many regulars who frequent Thursday's and there is always a friendly conversation you can join. We feel that we, in our way, are carrying on a tradition. If interested, do read my post on Neil Cargile; a Palm Beach legend. The video below is from that era. Thanks Caitlin, for finding it.
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Beyond Proper - Revisit
My Wednesday, December 19 post, went into details about a purchase of a Boston Proper CHUNKY CABLE OFF THE SHOULDER DRESS.
More than once I have received the suggestion to show the actual wearing of the items in the wild. Thursday evenings are an impromptu meetup that Caitlin and I typically attend. We try and get there a least once-a-month and have become regulars. A very welcoming group including the in-crowd and staff.
I wore the Boston Proper sweater dress two weeks ago and the photo above was taken at the Colony Hotel - Palm Beach. The room is their redecorated dining area. The evening was cool for South Florida so the dress was smart and appropriate.
I love doing virtual modeling by doing fashion layouts and do receive positive comments.This likely goes back to playing with paper dolls that I adored as a child. The fashion layouts allows for the mixing and matching of items, many of which I have in my closet, with items I see on Pinterest or online. I hope that I occasionally inspire.
The dress is still available (now on sale) and the shoes are a recent Nine-West (on sale) purchase.
More than once I have received the suggestion to show the actual wearing of the items in the wild. Thursday evenings are an impromptu meetup that Caitlin and I typically attend. We try and get there a least once-a-month and have become regulars. A very welcoming group including the in-crowd and staff.
I wore the Boston Proper sweater dress two weeks ago and the photo above was taken at the Colony Hotel - Palm Beach. The room is their redecorated dining area. The evening was cool for South Florida so the dress was smart and appropriate.
I love doing virtual modeling by doing fashion layouts and do receive positive comments.This likely goes back to playing with paper dolls that I adored as a child. The fashion layouts allows for the mixing and matching of items, many of which I have in my closet, with items I see on Pinterest or online. I hope that I occasionally inspire.
The dress is still available (now on sale) and the shoes are a recent Nine-West (on sale) purchase.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Do You Feel Trapped In The Wrong Body?
I have never completely accepted the "Trapped In The Wrong Body" narrative for myself. I have been given this one body and mind and overall they have worked well together plus served me well; (the old knock-on-wood thing). However, I do understand that one can feel a state of dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is defined this way:
"The condition of feeling one's emotional and psychological identity as male or female to be opposite to one's biological sex."
I have always been able to function fully and worked with my transgender state compartmentalized. Early on, I was too busy to think of much else outside of raising and supporting my family. There was little time for much else. Brief escapes and stolen moments provided ever so needed interludes. I believe that my story is very similar to many in our community.
Janet Mock is a very articulate member of our community. She has written several powerful books on her transgender experience and I find her truths to be very compelling. Here is one comment on the “born in the wrong body” narrative from her blog.
To me, “trapped in the wrong body” is a blanket statement that makes trans people’s varying journeys and narratives palatable to the masses. It’s helped cis masses understand our plight – to a certain extent. It’s basically a soundbite of struggle, “I was a girl (boy) trapped in a boy’s (girl’s) body,” which aims to humanize trans folks, who are often seen as alien, as freaks, as less-than-human and other.
Janet Mock
In several classroom discussions over the years, I had the statement/question put to me, “Oh, you were born in the wrong body? I get it.” This narrative helps the uninformed to process how one could want to present as a different gender. To many, the body is where gender is displayed with specific clothing. The visual thing.
There is more to being transgender than just wearing gender specific clothes or even having confirming body surgery. Being transgender is learning to accept oneself, limits and all, and to live a full productive life.
Everyone’s transgender journey is different. Do not let yourself be influenced by others' needs or paths. "Transitions" need to be what is best for you. A simple narrative does not fit all.
Let us get past the simplistic platitudes and accept ourselves as “whole persons”.
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
A Transgender Identity - Our Moral Misconduct
Do you have a transgender identity?
The Immanuel Christian School, a private K-8 school in Springfield, Virginia, outside of Washington, sets forth the position in its employment application for teachers and support staff in a section that requires applicants to initial a set of standards that begins with a promise that they are born-again Christians.
Vice President Mike Pence's wife, Karen, will take a job teaching art at this Christian school that bans LGBTQ children and requires employees to sign a pledge not to have sex outside of marriage or support heterosexual marriage. Disqualifying "moral misconduct" would include "homosexual or lesbian sexual activity, polygamy...
The Pledge continues: premarital sex, cohabitation, extramarital sex, homosexual or lesbian sexual activity, polygamy, transgender identity, any other violation of the unique roles of male and female.
Virginia is one of more than two dozen states that do not prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual and gender identity.
Clay Cane, a New York City-based award-winning journalist wrote this:
This language is disgusting,and high-order hypocrisy: Mike Pence, he said, 'stands shoulder to shoulder with his boss, Donald Trump' and shows 'unwavering support for a man who has been married three times, divorced twice, has had five children with three women and who has been accused of (though denies) paying a porn star and a Playboy model hundreds of thousands of dollars to conceal affairs he'd had with them.' The Pences should deliver that pledge of moral purity for Trump to sign...It comes down to this: If the Pences love their God so much, then they would not sit in a White House with a man who shows no moral compass and said he never asks for forgiveness. They would be on the White House lawn, with the King James Bible in hand, disavowing a President who is a horrible representation for our children.
Do Karen and Mike Pence (who, incidentally, supports conversion therapy) not see LGBTQ people as humans deserving the same respect and rights as anyone? It's easy to imagine, based on his pronouncements in the past, that if he could, Vice President Pence would create a sweeping policy to annihilate the progress of all LGBTQ communities — progress that, to be clear, resonates in every community.
For gross hypocrisy, Vice President Mike Pence and wife Karen, get this week's CINO award.
Monday, January 21, 2019
Monday's Holiday - 1/21
Let us not forget that this holiday remembers a man that fought for justice and gave his life in return.
Martin Luther King Jr.
1929-1968
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Political Cartoons 1-20
CNN's Victor Blackwell urges viewers to help those affected by the government shutdown by donating to their local food banks.
WASHINGTON ― Most Senate Republicans voted on Wednesday against the enforcement of sanctions on several companies tied to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Trump administration’s move to ease sanctions on firms owned by Oleg Deripaska is now likely to go forward.
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Friday, January 18, 2019
FFS Before/After Gender Reassignment?
The Pros and Cons of Undergoing FFS Before Gender Reassignment
BY: Dr. Vartan Mardirossian
Transitioning from male to female comes with numerous medical procedures. These start with hormone treatments and gradually schedule facial feminization surgery (FFS) and gender reassignment. Many people want to know which they should schedule first, and the truth is that there’s no one right answer. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re struggling to decide.
Understanding the Differences
While FFS focuses on softening the face and giving it a more feminine appearance, gender reassignment involves the reconstruction of your genitals. Though both of these are viewed as vitally important for those who want to look like the women they are from head to toe, it is often difficult to decide which has the biggest impact. For most, it is a personal decision and one that each woman must make for herself. Understanding the pros and cons can help you make that choice.
Having FFS First
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and if that’s the case, then your face is a window frame that says a lot about who you are. FFS can have a huge impact on your self-esteem by softening your features and allowing you to literally put your best face forward. Those who have had FFS say they feel as if they blend into the crowd and they don’t get the same kind of stares from strangers. Because of this, more and more trans patients schedule their FFS first – this way, when they walk out of their doors in the morning, the world sees a beautiful, feminine woman.
Having FFS first can also bring about a few concerns. For some, having a feminine face is a significant boost to their confidence, and they find themselves out in the world meeting others more than ever before. However, while waiting for gender reassignment, many women second-guess themselves when stepping into the ladies’ room or when dating a potential partner.
Having Gender Reassignment First
On the other hand, if you choose to go forward with gender reassignment surgery first, the potential benefits and drawbacks simply reverse. Gender reassignment is the end-all, be-all for many transgender women; it is the ultimate procedure and the one that completes their physical transformation. Post-op women tend to feel more comfortable when dating, for example, and their confidence soars.
In fact, for some women, having their gender reassignment surgery first gave them the courage they needed to schedule their FFS. Conversely, having gender reassignment surgery first can feel a bit like getting only half of the only gift you’ve ever truly wanted. It’s like getting a brand-new car but having to wait a few months for the engine to actually drive it.
Note: Vartan is my doctor, business associate, and friend.
Thursday, January 17, 2019
The Destabilization of America - Putin's Revenge
Speaking last Sunday, Carl Bernstein stated: “America has been destabilized”.
My Comments: There is much chaos around the world with military/religious regimes seldom taking into account the good of the people and supporting an agenda of their own making. In the past America has been an anchor of reason and a democratic model to the world.
Not since the uncivil war of 1860-1865 has America been so divided. What began three years ago as a protest against legislators who were putting special interest ahead of the people, has turned dangerous. Be careful what you wish.
"Drain the swamp" struck a chord with many, however the results have deviated from the intent. Corruption is rampant. Disruption is occurring. Branches of the government are non-functional. The administration is threatening to circumvent the legislative process with contrived emergency situations.
Watergate is the only parallel to what is happening today. At that time, the system worked to prevent a president from being above the law. The system today is broken with an ineffective legislature, a tainted and stacked court (Federal/Supreme) and a president with little desire to be responsible or reasonable.
A de-stabilized America only benefits our enemies. The *unwitted or **half-witted action of Trump has played directly into a planned attack on America and the undermining of America’s influence worldwide. Note this from a Stephen Collinson analysis article: Another good day for Putin as turmoil grips US and UK
What is left to be determined; Was this a plan by Trump (collusion) or unintentional. Either way, the results are the same; America has been destabilized. "And the deeper the dysfunction gets, the better it is for Putin."
* Unwitted: (adjective): Inadvertent; unintentional; accidental; not knowing; unaware; ignorant; oblivious; unconscious. an unwitting person.
** Half-witted (adjective): Foolish or stupid. a half-wit.
Carl Bernstein |
Not since the uncivil war of 1860-1865 has America been so divided. What began three years ago as a protest against legislators who were putting special interest ahead of the people, has turned dangerous. Be careful what you wish.
"Drain the swamp" struck a chord with many, however the results have deviated from the intent. Corruption is rampant. Disruption is occurring. Branches of the government are non-functional. The administration is threatening to circumvent the legislative process with contrived emergency situations.
Watergate is the only parallel to what is happening today. At that time, the system worked to prevent a president from being above the law. The system today is broken with an ineffective legislature, a tainted and stacked court (Federal/Supreme) and a president with little desire to be responsible or reasonable.
A de-stabilized America only benefits our enemies. The *unwitted or **half-witted action of Trump has played directly into a planned attack on America and the undermining of America’s influence worldwide. Note this from a Stephen Collinson analysis article: Another good day for Putin as turmoil grips US and UK
The Russian leader (Putin) has made disrupting liberal democracies a core principle of his near two-decade rule, as he seeks to avenge the fall of the Soviet empire, which he experienced as a heartbroken KGB agent in East Germany
What is left to be determined; Was this a plan by Trump (collusion) or unintentional. Either way, the results are the same; America has been destabilized. "And the deeper the dysfunction gets, the better it is for Putin."
___________________
* Unwitted: (adjective): Inadvertent; unintentional; accidental; not knowing; unaware; ignorant; oblivious; unconscious. an unwitting person.
** Half-witted (adjective): Foolish or stupid. a half-wit.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Speaking To A Wider Human Community
This is a one of a kind art piece by Felix d'Eon. Félix D'Eon is a gay, Mexican-American activist and artist. The son of an undocumented immigrant mother, he is originally from LA but currently resides in Mexico City. He is primarily a painter, and his work is an exploration of queer representation, love, eroticism, and desire; and transgender.
Whatever his orientation, this painting captures a mood that only someone who has lived this very reality could capture. Have not all of us been there and seem ourselves in this very mirror?
It is titled "High Heeled Shoes" and I found this watercolor for sale on Etsy as an original drawing. The same is also available as a print. Numerous other water color originals and prints are available.
Below is a TED talk that features the artist.
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Feminine Differential - Your Style
Feminine Style |
Femininity provides an endless array of ways to express your moods, your individuality, and your “sense of style”. With all the choices it is easy to be all over the board and not really develop a unique “you”. Money being your only limiting factor. We all have been to a picnic where one of the women rather than shorts and t-shirt had on a skirt, fancy top and full make-up. That was her style.
My style as I shopped for many years was professional. That was my day-to-day exposure. Every escape during those days was designed around being dressy for a professional event. Pinterest has one page with 264 different pins of different styles. The range is from ruffled leopard blouses to embroidered jeans to romantic sheer dresses. And this is one page with over-the-top femininity on display. Style!
I love Susan Street's site "Susan After 60". She has a beautiful sense of style, and offers many practical suggestions. On display is her beauty (at any age) for all of us to study and emulate.
As I look into my closet, I see that I have added casual to my wardrobe mix. This is true, although I have not locked into a style that is me. I have been cleaning out my closet “purging, as I must”, items that although feminine, are just not me. The test – I put it on, look in a mirror and then take it off. The question, “if not now, then when will I ever wear this?” That is my queue to put it aside for the garage sale or Goodwill.
Shopping online contributes to the issue. Something will look wonderful on the model and I order. When it arrives, it looks, kind-of-OK, so I keep it. Then two years later, I wonder why it was ordered. Although beautiful, it is not my style now or likely never was.
.
Think about your style when purchasing and getting dressed. Develop a sense of style that reflects you. Ultra feminine on one side, tom-boy on the other; or somewhere in the middle. There is no right-or-wrong. When dressing, be cognizant of how it makes you feel. If you are comfortable, feel pretty, feel feminine and it is “YOU”, this is your style.
It you have found your style, let no one judge you for being that individual. You are being who you are.
Monday, January 14, 2019
CINO - Franklin Graham
According to the Urban Dictionary, CINO denotes "Christian In Name Only". (pronounced SEE-no) This applies to Christians that claim to be Christian, but don't follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. They tend to be ignorant of the Gospel and follow the Old Testament instead of the New Testament teachings of Jesus Christ.
Facebook seems to be unable to get out of it's own way recently. However, last week Facebook temporarily blocked Franklin Graham’s account over an old post he wrote attacking transgender rights.
The 24-hour block on Graham’s popular Facebook account was reportedly prompted by concerns that a two-year-old post he wrote attacking transgender people’s rights possibly violated the company’s standards on hate speech. Read more at the HUFFPOST
Thanks Facebook for calling out this post for want it represents - hate speech.
Here is the post:
Facebook’s publicly posted community standards prohibit hate speech, which it defines as a “direct attack” on people based on a range of protected characteristics, including gender identity. It defines an attack as “violent or dehumanizing speech, statements of inferiority, or calls for exclusion or segregation.”
Instead of doing all they can to help the poor as Jesus teaches, a CINO follows the Hebrew tradition of tithing only 10% to a church. A CINO values money over God. A CINO prays in public and on social media even though Jesus said to pray in private. Often a CINO will use the term Christian to promote political values that are not actually Christian.
Facebook seems to be unable to get out of it's own way recently. However, last week Facebook temporarily blocked Franklin Graham’s account over an old post he wrote attacking transgender rights.
The 24-hour block on Graham’s popular Facebook account was reportedly prompted by concerns that a two-year-old post he wrote attacking transgender people’s rights possibly violated the company’s standards on hate speech. Read more at the HUFFPOST
Thanks Facebook for calling out this post for want it represents - hate speech.
Here is the post:
Facebook’s publicly posted community standards prohibit hate speech, which it defines as a “direct attack” on people based on a range of protected characteristics, including gender identity. It defines an attack as “violent or dehumanizing speech, statements of inferiority, or calls for exclusion or segregation.”
So the week's CINO award goes to Franklin Graham.
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Friday, January 11, 2019
Cars and Coffee Palm Beach
My Mercedes Group Cars and Coffee January '19 |
Last Sunday my Mercedes Group/Club was invited to attend the Palm Beach Cars and Coffee gathering. It is a monthly event that almost completely takes over the parking lots of the Palm Beach Outlet Mall. The event's web site describes it this way:
Cars & Coffee Palm Beach is one of the world's largest & most prestigious monthly auto events.
Cars & Coffee Palm Beach now meets one Sunday a month at Palm Beach Outlets in West Palm Beach, Florida. With 1800-3000+ show vehicles, thousands of spectators, and 50+ vendors each month, the show has become one of the most prestigious, widely attended, and increasingly popular automotive events in the region.
They are not exaggerating about the number of cars. In fact, on this Sunday I would not be surprised if there were more. I walked around for over an hour and a half and only ventured down maybe half of the 25 isles on just one side of the outdoor mall's parking area.
There was everything from hand-build one-of-a-kind vehicles, to isles of muscle cars, exotic vehicles, antique cars, custom bikes, and even a Bugatti. If you love cars, do check out their photo gallery.
There were many signs that stated "no engine revving" but that must have been only a suggestion. When two cars would pass heading to their parking area, revving was the greeting exchanged.
My Mercedes group had spaces reserved and we hung out together before having a personal tour. Just across from our area, the AMG club of Miami had about 20 cars parked. One of our members had a new red SL550 that they had just picked up in Orlando Friday evening. We all gathered around with envy in our hearts. She wore red to match the car.
What a fun "winter" Sunday morning in South Florida with some really nice people.
Cars & Coffee Palm Beach now meets one Sunday a month at Palm Beach Outlets in West Palm Beach, Florida. With 1800-3000+ show vehicles, thousands of spectators, and 50+ vendors each month, the show has become one of the most prestigious, widely attended, and increasingly popular automotive events in the region.Cars & Coffee Palm Beach now meets one Sunday a month at Palm Beach Outlets in West Palm Beach, Florida. With 1800-3000+ show vehicles, thousands of spectators, and 50+ vendors each month, the show has become one of the most prestigious, widely attended, and increasingly popular automotive events in the region.
Thursday, January 10, 2019
AI VR - Getting Dressed
The future of getting dressed: AI, VR and smart fabrics
Getting dressed with augmented reality, AI (Video source CNN Tech)
Several months ago I purchased a skirt from an overseas online store. It looked so good on the model and was reasonable enough. When it arrived it looked awful. Had I been able to try it on in a store the purchase would have never occurred. Unfortunately returning it was not a option. Most of my on-line purchases are from US based companies and returns are easy to either the actual store or with provided return postage. Return credits are reasonably fast.
Online shopping is the future. One trip to the mall and you see this trend shift. Stores are closing with some going away forever. Sears, which was the "Amazon" of its day, is a shadow of itself now. I will be amazed if it survives 2018.
The above video is all about virtual reality or seeing how something would look on you and seeing how it would move on your body. With Photoshop you could always cut and paste the catalog image over your photo or create a virtual fashion layout as I do many times. This step goes further. Much further.
Here is an excerpt from the accompanying CNN Tech article.
If algorithms do their job well, people will spend less time thinking about what to wear, said Ranjitha Kumar, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.From artificial intelligence and gadgets to smart fabrics and virtual reality, technology is poised to breathe innovation into not only how we dress but how we shop.
The article concludes with the note "All of that is becoming possible, but we're not quite there yet,"
Still, an interesting shopping concept.
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Volunteering - What to Wear?
I am back going to work every day after a few years of not having regular employment. I love being busy and still have office/computer skills that are relevant. Many work with the goal of retirement. I do not particularly care for the leisure life and much prefer being busy/working. There have been several “volunteer” discussion on other blogs recently and I very much encourage it.
Volunteering gives escapes meaning, interactions, and promotes acceptance. Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back and many times gets you into venues you would not normally attend, expanding your horizons. E.g. - I never knew how much I enjoyed classical piano until I started helping with tickets, seating and welcoming guest at the Palm Beach Piano Guild.
Back to working again; I am filling in at a local non-profit for an employee that is out sick. I did this once before, helping in their fundraising department utilizing skills I picked up at other volunteer jobs. It is unlikely that the employee will be returning, so the position may be offered. I am not looking to begin a long term commitment, however I do enjoy the daily interactions. Exactly how this will ultimately play out, is still open.
Getting dressed for work, I have discovered that my wardrobe had taken a casual turn with other outfits tending to be “more dressy”; events, trips, evening dinners. This office is somewhere middle-of-the-road, with business attire and casual Friday’s. The “Casual Friday” designation sends a message that the other days need not be, "too casual".
A degree of professionalism is needed because I do interact with a large number of staff plus the public at times. Just a few weeks back, I was called to the front desk to take and thank a walk-in donor for a donation. We had a wonderful conversation and she related that she had worked at a non-profit before as well.
The above outfit (and similar) are my “go to” professional looks. I love the tailored look of side zip pants, and vary the heels as needed. The short sleeved sweater is Lauren and functions well in my now cooler semi-tropics. I love being all dressed up with someplace to go and will keep you posted on the progress.
Opportunities are everywhere to volunteer. Take advantage and just do it.
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Feminine Differential - The Agony of De'Feet
Johnson and Murphy tassel heels |
Let's talk about a
problematic area of female presentation. Many venturing out feel their feet are
large and see this as a negative to their overall presentation. Take heart,
women's feet are getting larger compared to times past. Here is a quote from
the London newspaper The Independent; the title "WHY OUR FEET ARE GETTING BIGGER":
The nation's feet have grown by two shoe sizes in just four decades. In fact, we're bigger and taller all over, reports Jeremy Laurance.
But this is not just a UK phenomenon. In the US, the average female foot was a 6.5 in the 1960's (equivalent to UK size 4), rising to 7.5 in the 1970's (UK 5). Today, the average American woman has a shoe size between 8.5 and 9 - equivalent to a UK 6.5. Kate Winslet is US size 11 (UK 8.5) and Rihanna a US 9 (UK 6.5).
Note this article -
10 CELEBRITIES WITH SURPRISINGLY BIG FEET (Little known fact - Audrey Hepburn
had 10 1/2 Feet.)
I personally do not have large male feet (9 in female size).
This was a source of some teasing as I grew up. Typically I would compensate by
shoe shopping for male shoes that made my feet appear a little larger. Male
shoes are made to compensate for a wider footbed,
thus accentuating the length of the foot. Female shoes do the opposite in an
effort to make the foot look dainty.
I am not encouraging unreasonable or unsafe heel height.
There is a point of diminishing returns when walking becomes difficult. We have
all watched the video of models on the runway falling as they attempt the
impossible.
So to get back to a differential that can work. The above
Johnson and Murphy tassel heels are wonderful for creating the optical illusion
of a small foot. Wise shopping, practice, and
confidence can mitigate what could be considered a negative. Escape with
confidence.
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