Obama Update

Alex Lindsay

Keep it Hot with Winter Clothing

Arithzi Rivera

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President elect Obama is at the beginning of his presidency, which started on Jan. 20^th. Apart from polishing his inaugural speech, Obama had been working tirelessly on picking his Cabinet, though this endeavor has not been without its problems. One of Obama’s cabinet nominees, Bill Richardson, has withdrawn as a nominee to be secretary of commerce amid a federal grand jury investigation into how some of Richardson's political donors won $1.5 million in state contracts. The move represented the first public snag in Obama's attempt to assemble his Cabinet. Richardson denied wrongdoing but said the investigation would probably remain unresolved until well after Obama's inauguration, and he didn't want to disrupt the new administration. “Let me say unequivocally that I and my administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact," Richardson, who also served in the Clinton Cabinet, said in a statement released by Obama's transition office. "But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process."

President Obama had chosen Richardson despite news reports over the summer that a grand jury in Albuquerque was investigating $1.5 million in state highway contracts awarded to a California-based company. An executive with the firm had made contributions totaling more than $100,000 to three of Richardson's political committees. Richardson said yesterday that he expected that the grand jury's investigation will "extend for several weeks or, perhaps, even months."

Another powerful figure heavily associated with, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, has also encountered trouble since the election. Blagojevich was arrested December 9th on federal charges, including that he

tried to profit from naming the next senator. That arrest triggered impeachment hearings by a special Illinois House committee, voting 114-1 in favor of impeachment. He is the only Illinois Governor to ever be bought up on impeachment charges. "It's our duty to clean up the mess and stop the freak show that's become Illinois government," said Rep. Jack D. Franks, a Democrat. The Senate will convene next week and is expected to establish the procedures for the trial. Each of the state's 59 senators will get to act as a juror. Forty votes are needed to convict. So far, Blagojevich’s pick for the replacement of Obama’s former senate seat, Roland Burris, has so far been blocked from entering his position as Illinois Senator.

Sources:

http://www.frontpagenews.us/2008_12_01_archive.html

http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/crimprof_blog/criminal_law/index.html

There are a lot of ways to look fashionable during the winter season. Some people say they would rather stay warm and comfortable than look fashionable and great, but you can do both. The greatest thing about clothes is that some of them are designed to keep you warm and protected from the weather. If you want to be warm in those chilly days, the best option to wear is a long bright red winter coat. This kind of coat is one of those style tricks that is so obvious and yet pure genius. But if you do not want to get the attention from everyone, you could wear a crop swing coat in a neutral color in different shades of brown or skin color, and black for the night.

Remember that wearing a pure white coat is never a good option for winter, except if you want to be confused as a big snowman. For this 2008-2009 fall and winter season, the strongest colors are the pastels and neutrals. Pastels are really strong this winter because they represent the season.

If you were thinking of buying a new coat or sweater this winter, these are some of the most fashionable options for a winter coat. For the latest fashion craze, wear an adorable cropped swing jacket. The glamorous retro design features a textured asymmetrical pattern that will have you looking like a million bucks! Another option, not as warm as a coat, is a women's cropped wool blend coat. A gorgeous 3/4 wool blend coat with four mini buttons in the front is an unforgettable look, classy and

certifiably gorgeous.

A wool-blend pea coat should never be missing in your closet this winter. This coat is essential for winter because it looks great for the evening as well as for the night. It is a fun coat that will bring out your playful and cute side that any teenager should have.

This winter’s trendy accessory is the Palestinian scarf. One month ago, no one knew this name, and several asked for "A-rab," "Taliban", or "Bin Laden" scarves. But now that you know the real name, it is time to buy one, because those scarfs are the hottest accessory for this winter season. People with different styles are personalizing their scarves creating a new look.

Remember, the best way to look great, even without makeup, is a simple pair of jeans and a cold-weather coat, and you could make winter into a positively chic look.

Sources:

4-fresh-new-ways-to-wear-a-scarf

http://www.thisnext.com/tag/colorskinnyjeans/

http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2008/12/dos-and-donts-of-hats?slide=7#content

http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2009/01/big-golden-globe-winners-slumd.html

The scarf itself is known commonly as the "kuffiyeh," but may also be called the "hatta" or the "yashmagh."