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Obama Bows In Japan To Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

2009-11-15T07:36:21Z

In a scene that will likely be replayed on Sunday's political talk shows, President Obama bowed deeply to the Emperor and Empress of Japan on Saturday. The president's kowtow to the royal couple came on the second day of his Asian tour and before a private lunch with the pair in Tokyo.

An unnamed, senior Obama administration official told Politico Saturday that the president was observing protocol, saying, "I think that those who try to politicize those things are just way, way, way off base." During his speech in Tokyo, President Obama reaffirmed the United State's alliance with Japan and called himself America's first Pacific President.

In April, the president was criticized by the National Republican Senatorial Committee for bowing to Saudi King Abdullah at a G-20 meeting. Press Secretary Robert Gibbs declined to call Obama's gesture to Abdullah a bow, instead saying Obama "bent over" to shake hands with the king.

Anticipating drama, the Los Angeles Times wrote a blog entry Saturday about the bow. The LA Times detailed former Vice President Dick Cheney's (non-bow) handshake with the Japanese emperor and pointed to the "comedic" drama surrounding former Presdient Clinton's bow to Akihito.

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1950s Fashionista: Mamie Eisenhower's Mid-Century Mode (PHOTOS)

2009-11-14T16:23:05Z

Before Michelle Obama's belts and brooches and Jackie Kennedy's pearls and pillbox hats, another style-setter called the White House home: Mamie Eisenhower. As Dwight's wife, Mamie was first lady from 1953 to 1961, overseeing nearly a decade of short bangs, flowers, clutches, lace and perfectly perched hats. Today, on the anniversary of her birthday (she would be 113), we take a look back at Mamie's mid-century mode:

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Michelle Obama Stricken With A Cold, Wears Sunny J. Crew Ensemble (PHOTOS)

2009-11-13T22:42:58Z

Michelle Obama has a cold. On Friday afternoon, the first lady began her remarks on the difficulties older women face in today's health insurance market by saying "First of all, forgive me -- I've got children, and now I have a cold. It goes along with the territory."

Despite feeling a little under the weather, the first lady wore a cheerful J. Crew ensemble with her favorite new belt and what's become her signature updo. The belt was last seen on November 3rd, when she launched a mentoring program for girls.

Scroll down for the first lady's remarks below.

FULL REMARKS:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the First Lady

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release November 13, 2009

REMARKS BY THE FIRST LADY

ON HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM AND OLDER WOMEN

East Room

3:12 P.M. EST

MRS. OBAMA: Thank you, everybody. Thank you so much. First of all, forgive me -- I've got children, and now I have a cold. (Laughter.) It goes along with the territory.

Let me begin by first thanking Tina Tchen, who's doing an outstanding job as Director of the Office of Public Engagement by opening up this White House to the American people and organizing events like this one today. She's just been a terrific asset and a dear friend -- and let's give her a round of applause. (Applause.)

And I also want to commend Nancy-Ann for her extraordinary leadership on health care -- health insurance reform. I know my husband, who is traveling abroad right now, would agree with me when I say that without her, we wouldn't have come this far, and because of her, we're going to get the job done. So we are grateful to you, Nancy-Ann. (Applause.)

And of course, I want to thank all the women who are here today. This is a wonderful, lively group -- I heard you all giggling earlier today. (Laughter.)

But I also want to thank the women who spoke today -- to Kelly and Fran and Judy -- for sharing their stories. What they've been through isn't easy, and I'm grateful that they have been brave enough and open enough to share their stories with all of us. It takes a lot of courage.

These stories touch our hearts. They spark in us just a fundamental sense of unfairness. But the sad truth is none of these stories are unique. These kinds of stories are being told in city after city, town after town, all across America. They're being told by women who lost their coverage when their husband lost a job, or their husband passed away. They're being told by women who aren't getting regular checkups because it's simply too expensive. They're being told my women living on fixed incomes who can't afford the prescription drugs that they need.

All of these stories reflect the fundamental reality -- and that is, women are among those struggling most under the status quo, the way things are. And women are among those who will benefit most from health insurance reform because the truth is that women, we have a special relationship with our health care system. In a lot of families that's true because we are the health care system in so many ways. (Laughter.)

Eight in 10 mothers say they're the ones responsible for choosing their children's doctors, taking them to appointments, and managing the follow-up care. And over 10 percent of all women are now caring for a sick or elderly relative.

Our entire lives as women, we are asked to bear much of the responsibility for our family's health and well-being. And yet, we often face special challenges when it comes to our own health insurance. Part of it has to do with the fact that women are more likely than men to do part-time work or to work in a small business -- in jobs that are less likely to offer the kind of insurance that you really need. In fact, over half of all women in this country don't have the option of getting insurance through the workplace at all.

But even women who do have insurance face inequities under the status quo. Because women make less than 80 cents for every dollar their male coworkers make, it's more difficult for them to pay their premiums -- especially when studies show that they're paying far more than men for the same coverage.

And I don't think anyone here will be surprised to learn that a recent study found that one-third of all women have either used up savings, taken on debt, or given up basic necessities just to pay their medical bills. And as many of you know firsthand, these kinds of problems -- the problems of coverage and cost -- only grow worse when you get older, making quality, affordable coverage harder to come by just -- as we've seen today and heard today -- just when you need it the most.

In the individual market, people in their early 60s are more than twice as likely to be denied coverage than people in their late 30s. Older women are more likely than men to face a chronic illness, but they're less likely to be able to afford the cost of treating that illness. And in recent years, studies have shown that women over the age of 65 spend about 17 percent of their income on health care. And that's just not right.

Our mothers and grandmothers, they have taken care of us all their lives; they've made the sacrifices that it takes to get us where we need to be. And we have an obligation to make sure that we're taking care of them. It's as simple as that. America has a responsibility to give all seniors the golden years they deserve and the secure, dignified retirement that they worked so hard to achieve. (Applause.)

And that's exactly what health insurance reform is going to help us do in this country.

Now, I can tell you -- I can't tell, actually, what the bill that will ultimately land across my husband's desk will look like -- none of us can. But I can tell you just a few important ways that the insurance system will be impacted.

For starters -- and this is very important -- your insurance will not change unless you want it to change. So if things are great for you, you're fine. (Laughter.) It will, however, become more stable and more secure, no matter what your situation is. There will be a cap on how much you can be charged in out-of-pocket expenses in a year or in a lifetime. So there will be a cap. It will be against the law for insurance companies to deny you coverage for preexisting conditions. (Applause.) And that change alone will help us end the discrimination women face in our health care system. And also, insurance companies will be required to cover, at no extra cost, routine checkups and preventive care.

And I'd like to speak just a moment about what reform will mean for seniors, in particular.

There's been a lot of misinformation on this topic so I want to be clear -- Nancy-Ann mentioned this: Not a dime of the Medicare Trust Fund will be used to pay for reform. Health insurance reform will not endanger Medicare; it will make Medicare more stable and secure. (Applause.) By eliminating wasteful subsidies to private insurance and cracking down on fraud and abuse throughout the system, this administration believes that we can bring down premiums for all our seniors and extend the life of the Medicare Trust Fund.

My husband believes that Medicare is a sacred part of America's social safety net, and it's a safety net that he will protect -- he will protect with health insurance reform. And I know that many seniors on Medicare are also concerned about the cost of prescription drugs; we've heard about it here.

Right now, millions of seniors face huge out-of-pocket costs when their spending on drugs falls within a coverage gap. My husband is committed to closing that gap, which will save some seniors, as you've heard, thousands of dollars on medications and make prescription drugs more affordable for millions of older Americans. (Applause.)

So what we're talking about -- affordable prescription drugs for Americans who need them; Medicare that's protected today and tomorrow; stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality, affordable coverage for Americans who don't. That's what reform will mean for older women, for seniors, and for all Americans.

So that's why I believe in this so strongly. That's why I believe in this so strongly.

But in the end, I'm not here just as a First Lady. That's not why I'm doing this. I am here because I'm a daughter. I'm here because I have an extraordinary mother who is 72 years old -- young. (Laughter and applause.) And I know there are countless women in this country who have loved ones who feel the same way about them as I do about my mother.

And when all is said and done, part of why I believe so strongly in reforming our health care system is because of the difference it will make for these women who gave us life -- so simple -- these women who raised us, these women who supported us through the years. They deserve better than the status quo. They deserve a health care system that heals them and lifts them up.

And that's what my husband is committed to doing, to building that kind of system in the weeks and months to come.

So thank you all. Thank you for sharing your stories. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication, for listening, for being a part -- and let's get to work. Thank you so much. (Applause.)

Hetrick-Martin Institute Gala: Cory Booker, Veronica Webb, Lance Bass And More! (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

2009-11-13T22:03:13Z

Newark Mayor Cory Booker joked that he had a huge "man crush" on his New York City counterpart as he presented Mayor Bloomberg with the Emery Award at the Hetrick-Martin Institute gala on Wednesday night. But while Booker spoke of his man crush on-stage, he sat off-stage with his rumored female crush, model Veronica Webb. (Webb recently denied any romantic relationship.)

Kimora Lee Simmons hosted the celebration of Hetrick-Martin's 30th anniversary and tribute to gay rights activist Harvey Milk. According to its mission statement, HMI, home of New York's Harvey Milk High School, "believes all young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential. Hetrick-Martin creates this environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth between the ages of 12 and 21 and their families." The Emery Awards "honor individuals and corporations that exemplify Hetrick-Martin's mission of providing a safe and supportive environment for all young people - regardless of their sexual orientation or identity - as well as those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within our community."

The evening's other Emery Award recipient was Dr. Joyce Hunter, co-founder of the Harvey Milk High School. Other attendees included Lance Bass, "Milk" screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, Councl Speaker Christine Quinn, Harvey Milk's nephew Stuart Milk, actors Cheyenne Jackson, Heather Matarazzo, Victor Garber, and B.D. Wong.

See photos and video below.

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Kate Moss's Motto? 'Nothing Tastes As Good As Skinny Feels'

2009-11-13T17:27:38Z

At age 35, Kate Moss has a lengthy list of accomplishments to her name: supermodel, designer, perfume-maker, hair-care-product-creator, singer and mother. So what kinds of sayings does she remember in order to achieve success?

"There are loads," Moss told WWD. "There's 'Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.' That's one of them." But at least she showed a hint of humanity, adding, "You try and remember, but it never works."

Moss also talked about her mentors, namely her trusted friends who tell her "Oh no, Kate, that's not a good look." But she knows that beauty comes from the inside:

"It sounds really corny, but I think that if you're beautiful inside, it shows on the outside for sure. You can be a pretty face, but if you're not a nice person, it just doesn't work. I'm not traditionally a beauty, but apparently people think I'm all right. If you're a nice person, it definitely helps."

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Dino e Lucia: Sasha, Malia Wear French Label For Family Portrait (PHOTOS)

2009-11-13T17:13:48Z

Oh la la! Since the White House released the official Obama family photograph by Annie Leibovitz last month, we've been wondering who was responsible for the first daughters' dresses. And now we have an answer: Parisian boutique Dino e Lucia. Described as "boho chic," practical and original, the brand has offerings for both boys and girls between ages 4 and 14. Prices range from $100 to $350. Guess we know where the Obama girls went shopping while in Paris this summer!

Sasha's dress is prominently featured on Dino e Lucia's site.

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Daphne Guinness Dares To Wear 10-Inch Stilettos (PHOTO, POLL)

2009-11-13T17:08:06Z

In her new video, Lady Gaga dances in what we considered unwearable 10-inch stilettos by Alexander McQueen. But now another fashion-forward woman has dared to wear them: Daphne Guinness. On Thursday night the socialite and Marc Jacobs co-hosted a party for NARS 15X15 in New York.

Take a closer look at the couture collector's outfit and tell us what you think of the footwear.

Photo by Patrick McMullan

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'Man-gagement' Rings Let Ladies Put A Ring On It (VIDEO, POLL)

2009-11-13T16:14:57Z

This just in from the Beyonce Bible of Wisdom: If you like it, then you should put a ring on it. And many formerly-single, almost-married ladies are taking her sentiments to heart with "man-gagement" rings--the equivalent of an engagement ring, but for the future groom. ABC's Nightline followed one couple as they tried to settle on a hunk of metal. Jarrett Gabel, the husband-to-be joked, "It's not fair that she gets diamonds. I should get at least one."

However, man-gagement rings are really an emerging trend in terms of boy bling. "All the girls want everyone to know that their guy is taken, and there's no better way than to see a ring on his finger," the jeweler in the video explains. And Jennifer Hudson recently spent $15,000 on a ring for her boyfriend. The bands are made from macho-man materials like steel, rubber and cobalt, which will be the perfect accessory to match the diaper bag you'll be carrying in a few years.

WATCH:

What do you think?

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ScientificMatch.com Uses DNA Samples To Make Perfect Couple

2009-11-13T16:03:33Z

NEW YORK — Looking for love? Try leaning in for a ... cheek swab.

A couple of genetic testing companies are promising to match couples based on the DNA testing, touting the benefits of biological compatibility.

The companies claim that a better biological match will mean better sex, less cheating, longer-lasting love and perhaps even healthier children.

"How many dating services can you think of where they can suggest you might have better children?" said Eric Holzle, founder of ScientificMatch.com, one of the first online dating sites to use DNA.

Holzle wouldn't reveal membership numbers, but GenePartner, a Swiss company that works with matchmakers and dating sites, has tested more than 1,000 people, according to chief scientific officer Tamara Brown. Some were already coupled and took the test out of curiosity.

The GenePartner Test is $99, and will be offered at the dating site sense2love.com when it relaunches next month.

The idea is that people tend to be attracted to those who have immune system genes that are dissimilar from their own.

Biologists say the HLA genes of the immune system – which are responsible for recognizing and marking foreign cells such as viruses so other parts of the immune system can attack them – also determine body odor "fingerprints." And people tend to be attracted to the natural body odors of those who have different HLA genes from their own.

In one study, Swiss biologist Claus Wedekind found that women who were not taking hormonal contraception preferred the natural scent of men whose immune systems were the most different from theirs.

But don't put too much faith in this, experts said.

Dr. Rocio Moran, medical director of the General Genetics Clinic at the Cleveland Clinic, called the idea "ridiculous," and said the science of attraction is too complex to look at only a few genes.

"They are just trying to make a buck," she said. "That if it's genetic, it must be real science."

When a random sample of married people was studied, their immune systems were not that different, said Patrick Markey, associate professor of psychology at Villanova. And he notes that hundreds of studies have shown the importance of personality and physical appearance in choosing a mate.

For some, factors such as whether the person smokes, is fat or wants children will override biological compatibility, said Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist and author of "Why Him? Why Her?" She believes genes play a role but said it's only one part of the puzzle.

Rachel Herz, author of "The Scent of Desire," who teaches olfaction and human behavior at Brown, believes the science is legit but thinks prospective matches should swap T-shirts and sniff.

"Above all physical factors – for example, how he looks – and social factors, how guys smell is more important than anything else," she said.

Holzle was not able to point to any success stories. He said his site tends to attract people who are concerned about privacy and has not done a good job tracking members once they leave. GenePartner did not respond to a request to speak to its customers.

But Chris Moyer, 57, a computer programmer in Reading, Pa., said she would be willing to try it. She has used four or five online dating sites.

"When eHarmony failed, I just gave up," she said. "Nothing has worked, and I'm curious to see how this would work."

Singles who sign up for ScientificMatch.com get a welcome box in the mail containing a skin cells-swab kit. The person mails the kit to the lab, with results in approximately two weeks, then uploads a profile and photos and takes a personal values test. The site also conducts a background check.

Matches are generated based on the DNA, values and preferences.

But Holzle didn't have any success stories to share. In fact, he is planning to phase out the dating part of the site he started in 2007 to market the tests directly to matchmakers and couples. He promises a refund of the $995 lifetime membership.

Still, some matchmaking services are willing to incorporate the test to help frustrated clients.

Anju Rupal, founder of sense2love.com, a Switzerland-based matchmaking site for English speakers, including members in the U.S., is partnering with GenePartner. Members are not required to take the test to sign up, but are encouraged to do so to whittle down the number of potential matches.

"A woman wants to date, settle down and have children. Guys don't want to waste time," she said. "Our aim is to do the best possible match in the shortest amount of time."

Tara Subkoff Battles Charity Over Brain Tumor Bills

2009-11-13T14:40:57Z

After fashion designer Tara Subkoff was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor last summer, friends of the uninsured 36-year-old held a fundraiser sponsored by the New York Foundation for the Arts to help pay for her surgery and rehabilitation. It raised approximately $175,000.

The intention of the benefit was stated in an email sent beforehand, as posted by The Cut:

While [the tumor is] benign, it will be fatal to her in approximately two years if not operated on. Recuperation from the necessary operation may take as long as a year. During this time it will not be possible for her to work. We are writing in the hope that all of you can help....All proceeds from the benefit would go towards covering the remainder of the costs of the operation, and possibly to the care that will be needed afterwards.

Page Six now reports that the New York Foundation for the Arts is reneging on their agreement to help with post-surgery living expenses, writing that Subkoff's good friend and Imitation of Christ co-found Chloe Sevigny said "I think that Tara's friends and supporters would be pretty upset to know that, despite their best efforts, she is still suffering."

NYFA issued this response through a spokesperson:

"We are willing and eager to cover medical expenses and post-op rehabilitation, as per our contract. We can't cover her personal expenses. If an offer to pay rent was made, it was a mistake. We've asked Tara's attorneys to send medical bills, but they've sent only two."

Liu Wen To Be First Asian Model In Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

2009-11-13T14:02:19Z

Liu Wen will reportedly strut her (skivvy-clad) stuff as the first Asian model to appear in a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, according to Modelinia.

Va-Va-Valerie: Jarrett's Svelte Style (PHOTOS)

2009-11-13T12:59:31Z

When we last saw senior adviser Valerie Jarrett, she was toting big bags and wearing work clothes that could transition to evening activities.

These days she's downsized to smaller purses, and has kept her style as tailored and elegant as ever. And she follows many of the style tenets of the new administration: wearing comfortable flat shoes, chic, cropped hair, and a smile. See some of her most recent outfits below.

See her colleague Mona Sutphen's refined attire HERE.

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Galaxy Dress: 24,000 LED Gown Lights Up The Party (VIDEO, POLL)

2009-11-12T21:28:52Z

Francesca Rosella and Ryan Genz, the London-based design duo behind interactive clothing company CuteCircuit , have created a dress that will quite literally light up any party. The 'Galaxy Dress,' made with 24,000 LEDs, will soon be the center piece of an exhibit at Chicago's the Museum of Science and Industry.

The dress is very wearable, the designers explain. "We used the smallest full-color LEDs, flat like paper, and measuring only 2 by 2 mm," they said in an email to Wired.com. "The circuits are extra-thin, flexible, and hand embroidered on a layer of silk in a way that gives it stretch so the LED fabric can move like normal fabric with lightness and fluidity." The dress is powered by tiny iPod batteries and the sparkle is enhanced by 4,000 hand-applied Swarovski crystals.

No one has worn it yet. Would you?

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Cindy Crawford's Skinny Model Solution: Stop Buying Magazines That Feature Them

2009-11-12T19:22:18Z

It seems like the modeling industry is on a yo-yo diet, between Glamour printing images ofplus-size women in its pages and Ralph Lauren retouching an already skinny model in an advertisement. So what's a simple girl to do? Boycott, if you ask Cindy Crawford. The famous face told The Guardian UK that consumers hold all of the power:

If you don't like something, don't buy it. Don't buy the magazine if you don't like what it says. If you don't like the image a brand is putting out, don't buy it. What I really don't agree with is people who complain about it but still support it. You're giving your power away. If people don't want skinny models, stop buying the magazine with the skinny model, and believe me those magazines will change fast. It's business.

However, Crawford, who recently said she looks too healthy to be a supermodel today, doesn't think that the fashion world is to blame for eating disorders:

An eating disorder is way more than a girl looking at a magazine and seeing a picture of a skinny model. Maybe that's one tiny piece of the puzzle, but I think it's a lot more about self-esteem and self-love and control, so it's too simplistic to just blame it on models who are skinny.

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Taylor Swift And Anne Hathway In Glittery Gowns: Who Wore It Better? (PHOTOS, POLL)

2009-11-12T19:02:05Z

At Wednesday's CMA Awards, the night's big winner Taylor Swift donned glittery gown by Reem Acra (the same designer who brought us Jill Biden's breathtaking inauguration dress).

If the shimmery sheath looked familiar, it's because you saw something similar by Monique Lhuillier on Anne Hathaway at the Oscars in February.

So which princess dress looked best? So photos below and vote.

TAYLOR SWIFT ON NOVEMBER 11TH:

ANNE HATHAWAY ON FEBRUARY 22ND:

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