A Little Of The Old In And Out



(image via timeinc)

In: Senator Ted Kennedy. In such moments of what can only be properly construed as political exigency, Ted Kennedy's importance to this great nation in the United States Senate becomes most evident. Although the scandal surrounding Chappaquiddick forever destroyed his chances at achieving The White House, the telos of an American political career, Senator Kennedy's ability to cross the aisle and forge significant legislative compromises have moved the country forward socially with great strides.

And Kennedy's strategic championing of anti-apartheid legislation in the mid-80s bears a direct relation to the fall of South Africa's totalitarian regime. From TheBostonHerald:

"A prolonged absence by U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy from the presidential trail could spell trouble for Democrats who are relying on his iconic stature to heal wounds after the party’s bruising nomination fight, political strategists said.

"'He is a stabilizing influence who can play an important role in wrapping his arms around the party right now,' said George Serra, chairman of the political science department at Bridgewater State College. 'No matter which way Democrats fall, they have great respect for Sen. Kennedy.'

"With the battle between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama coming to a close, Democrats are looking to the Bay State’s senior senator and other party standard bearers to restore a sense of unity as the general election draws near."

It is, incidentally, not onconceiveable that Kennedy's example, in the Senate as Presidentially unelectable, could serve as a guidepost to Hillary Clinton's post-campaign future. Anyway: Get well soon, Senator, the nation needs you.



Out: "Johnifer." His rapey-eyes notwithstanding ("No means no"): grody to the max, this. Her astonishing neediness to hook-up with someone famous is only topped in raw obnoxiousness by his sheer reptile cold-bloodedness (Exaggerated cough suggesting feigned detachment). Seriously, though: Isn't Aniston, like, suspect by the fact that John Mayer is unable to generate vital bodily warmth? Wouldn't that be a dealbreaker? From Daily Mail:

"Guitarist Mayer has dated a string of other Hollywood beauties, including Jennifer Love-Hewitt and Jessica Simpson - and friends fear Brad Pitt's ex may be heading for further heartache.

"But the couple seem blissfully happy, and recently enjoyed a romantic break together in the city where there were also seen canoodling poolside.

"A source told The Daily Mirror: 'They appear to be in the honeymoon stage of their relationship. They were laughing at each other's jokes and being very touchy-feely.'"

*The Corsair shudders*



In: Contemporary Art. Never stand between a Russian oligarch and a gaudy piece of contemporary art (Averted Gaze). We, of course, are not big fans of "The Contempo Scene." But it is big despite the serious criticism, especially among hedge-fund punks. That scene in "Hannah and Her Sisters" where Max Von Sydow tells the tasteless buyer, "I don't sell my work by the yard (Averted Gaze)." From ArtForum:

"A few decades ago, people spoke of the shock of the new. On Wednesday night, Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening Sale was all about the incredible wealth of the few. The auction, which totaled $362 million, was the biggest in the company’s history. Tobias Meyer, Sotheby’s chief auctioneer, said the sale was the result of 'global hunger' on the part of 'global individuals' who 'live everywhere.'"

Substitute "Global Individuals" for "Louche Russian Oil Billionaires" and "Live Everywhere" to ".. Argh! Did someone just spike The Corsair's fizzy with Polonium-210?"