(FY)Information - Power of Suggestion

Hundreds of days have passed since the corruption sting that led to several incarcerations and two open council seats. Today marks the first time voters can have a say in who should be appointed to these positions. With that being said, this blog is my attempt at motivating folk to get to the polls and help shape local politics. Just pretend it's a Friday night and you're on your way to your favorite watering hole. Or kindly reward yourself with a drink after doing your civic duty. If we would come out to vote like we do for lagers we would carry some serious political clout. The polls are open from 6am to 8pm.

While I'm at it, I'd like to publicly throw my rising weight behind Dan Levin. Dan Levin sits on the board of Bike JC and has a long record of advocating for the arts and proper political reform. He's intelligent, hard working and a true believer in progressive ideals. There are 17 people running for these seats, so look for Dan's name in the bottom right of the ballot; 15f.

(spot)light - Swedish Garbs

H&M officially opened its doors in Newport last Thursday offering 2 floors of skintight clothes. The location carries ready-to-wear for men, women, tweens and rug rats. Cutting through the mall I could not ignore the blaring beats of Ke$ha, matched only in annoyance by the gaggle of giggling schools girls flocking to the newly opened retailer. While the men's section was half the size of the ladies, it still offered some stylish and affordable (i.e. Made in Bangladesh) choices. This store is yet another small step in H&M's quest to rid the world of baggy jeans and solid colors.

The real story is not in this small, somewhat inconsequential opening, but in H&M's rise to the top of the retail food chain. H&M (Hennes & Mauritz) has climbed its way up the ladder becoming the world's 2nd largest fashion retailer. H&M has over 2,300 stores in 41 countries and made a staggering $716,000,000 profit between June and August of this year alone. Can't get enough of the euro apparel but find yourself under court ordered house arrest? No worries, the US online store is set to launch in spring of 2012.

Wandering around Newport? Make your way to the often-ignored Payless Shoes wing.