A "Special Master for Compensation" (SMC) decides who gets what. For the executives of several bailed-out businesses (including GM and Citigroup, among others), the SMC is Kenneth R. Feinberg. He has been appointed (to an unpaid position) by the White House to decide on fair compensation for chief executives and the 25 highest paid employees at these companies. Considering that one of Mr. Feinberg's previous jobs was SMC for 9/11 victims, he probably considers his new position a comparative cakewalk.
We would like to wish Mr. Feinberg luck--he'll need it. If, however, he wants any assistance, the Solipsist would like to offer his services; YNSHC would relish the opportunity to dictate salaries to humbled CEO's.
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More reassurance on the eventual legality of same-sex marriage:
One thing on which conservatives of virtually all creeds and colors agree is that, to quote Calvin Coolidge, the business of America is business. And same-sex marriage is good for business. Since Connecticut legalized same-sex unions last year, the ultra-WASP haven of Greenwich has become a hotbed (so to speak) of gay marriages. It's the first town over the border from New York, and over 140 gay and lesbian weddings have been held there so far. And how does the horsey set feel about this veritable inundation by wild-eyed, passion-filled homosexuals? Well, as of this writing, the Hyatt Regency Greenwich has "only" two same-sex weddings scheduled for this summer, but their general manager, Thomas C. Delaney, says "We'd like to have a lot more." Peter J. Crumbine, a Greenwich town selectman (whatever that is) says that his little hamlet is "happy to be of service" to the gay community.
In the long run, when intolerance meets the profit motive, greed will out. God bless America!
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The Mr. Irrelevant News Story of the Day
In many ways, this has been a traumatic year. The United States is bogged down in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan; there is turmoil in Pakistan and nuclear brinkmanship in North Korea; the American economy, once the envy of the world, continues to teeter on the edge of the abyss; every day brings reports of layoffs, foreclosures, and the struggles of the ordinary people to make ends meet. And through it all, one question gnaws at the Solipsist, consuming his waking hours and troubling his dreams:
What's up with circular sunglasses?
Now, finally, we have an answer. Apparently, round sunglasses are "in." So say designers and fashionistas. Why? Well. . . .uh. . . just 'cause. The intrepid reporter Eric Wilson has discussed the issue with various industry participants. One explanation is a sudden enthusiasm for the work of Malian photographer Malick Sidibe, whose work was showcased at the Venice Biennale a couple of years ago: His portraits from the 195o's and 1960's, showing round-rimmed-bespectacled Africans celebrating the end of colonialism proved inspiring for today's designers. Or perhaps it's a new interest in John Lennon, featured in an exhibit at New York's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex. Or maybe it's the Broadway revival of "Hair."
We will never understand the fashion world nor the people who try to explain it. People wear what they are told to wear, and they are told to wear what those "in the know" deem trendyat any given moment. Now it's round sunglasses, next it will be bonnets or bell bottoms or leather chaps.
Why ask why?
Undrafted Articles
(Image from Swisseduc.ch)
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