Media-Whore D'Oeuvres



"President Barack Obama took aim at Chinese barriers to U.S. exports and investment, making good on a campaign pledge to take a tougher line on trade enforcement while risking increased tensions with the Asian nation. A day before Obama’s meeting with President Hu Jintao to urge joint efforts to ease the global recession, the U.S. Trade Representative’s office produced a 55-page catalog of Chinese subsides, tax policies and regulations that it said discriminate against American companies. 'It’s a very delicate balance,' said Gary Hufbauer, a fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington. 'It’s a matter of trying to manage the disputes and hoping they don’t spiral out of control.' At their meeting before the Group of 20 leaders meeting in London, the two presidents are likely to pledge joint efforts to spur their economies and ease the global recession. The entire gathering of leaders nations will also repeat a pledge to avoid protectionism, a German official said. Still, the drop in the economy and boost in unemployment in the U.S. is intensifying pressures on China." (Bloomberg)



"I finally caught up on Nate Lowman's show on the very last day of its run this past weekend at the Maccarone Gallery, which is just right next door to Gavin Brown on Greenwich St. Nate is known to many as the cute artist guy who dates Mary-Kate Olsen, but most people are not that familiar with his work. The show, 'A Dog From Every County,' evolved much around Nate's obsession with the smiley face." (Papermag)

"The cast of Showtime’s The Tudors joined up with Gourmet Magazine in the Conde Nast building last night to indulge in some medieval partying that was up to royal standards. Hors d’oeurvres of lamb and eggs in sausage may have been better suited for their characters, but we’re sure the wine chalices and actors in period costumes were enjoyed by all. And of course, no celebration of The Tudors could be complete without the show’s Irish heartthrob, Jonathan Rhys Meyers -even if he wasn’t wearing a crown this time around." (Guestofaguest)



"'Models: please stay away from the bar and focus on getting dressed!' stylists instructed the participating celebs backstage at the last night's seventh annual Dressed to Kilt event and fashion show. But the fine-aged liquor was all part of the fun at the Scottish affair at M2 lounge--and so were Sir Sean and Lady Connery, who hosted the evening. 'I think we've got the best possible seats in the house!' exclaimed the Oscar-winning actor as hundreds of eager digital cameras were pointed at his direction. Right before the show, a diverse assembly of models that included Ed Westwick, George Wayne, Andie MacDowell and her daughters, New York City Ballet dancer Tom Gold, and Yankee Bernie Williams, put on the designer garb from likes of Vivienne Westwood, Comme des Garçons, and Tommy Hilfiger and did their best to make the rowdy crowd proud." (Fashionweekdaily)