I must say, all of the end of times stuff out there is getting to me. Between high gas prices, climate change, the economic downturn, the global food crises, faltering financial markets, a dying housing market, the weak dollar, and two wars abroad it's for good reason that people are freaking out. I think it's pretty obvious I disagree with Phil Gramm on this one...

My issue is that I don't understand why our actual problems have to be mirrored and amplified by pop culture. The other night I went to see Dark Knight (along with maybe 10% off the district's population) and I was struck by one thing even more so that Heath Ledger's stunning (or shocking) performance. My friends and I were so sad/afraid/worried by the end of the previews that even Bambi would've seemed like a dark film. Seriously, every single trailer was promoting some film about how the world would end or how numerous people would die and how we'll have to fight for the survival of the human race. I vote that the creator of 300 shouldn't be allowed to make any more movies. As if things actually aren't bad enough, filmmakers feel the need to reinforce the idea that the world is ending with a deluge of blockbuster movies to that effect this fall. I, for one, will be saving my $8.50 and watching old episodes of Cheers on Nick at Nite or doing something equally benign, reassuring and emblematic of simpler times.

So what makes me feel better about myself, life and that state of global affairs. Tasty D-Lite Ice Cream. Unfortunately the nearest one is in northern New Jersey. What's next? The Down Under smoothie at Juice Joint on Vermont in between L and K. Enjoy!

Today's Sartorialist. She's absolutely gorgeous. Also, the dress in the top frame is amazing and vaguely reminiscent of one of the cocktail dresses on Project Runway last week (sans wings).