Hope and Obey

At the American Art Museum, Shepherd Fairey's portrait of President Obama has returned to view. It is blue-black-red with "Hope" emblazoned across the bottom. Seen alone, it suggests Obama is the incarnation of hope. He has a slight smile on the face, as if in acceptance of the moniker. However, I wonder. Last year, I saw an exhibit of Fairey's work in Boston. There was a whole series of portraits in the same colors, with "Obey" where "Hope" is placed. "Obey" is a command. The portrait's subject commands the portrait's viewer to obey. Is Hope a command as well? Is that the true stance of the President to the People?

Bethesda vs.

Not to sneer, but I'm in Bethesda now at 7:30 on a Sunday evening to see a play. Dark as a graveyard the place is. The shops are closed, the restaurants are quiet. Even the Starbucks is shut. Actually, in my Penn Quarter neighborhood, the Starbucks is shut, too. But the cupcakery still spreads its aromas; donuts are still dunkin'. There is a bolero in Jaleo, and Rosa Mexicano glitters bright. Once the show is over, I will will slip away from the dark, back into the light.

Couples at the fair

At the book fair, they came in pairs. The author was a young New Yorker, colored button down shirt, jeans, a canvas version of boat shoes, dark curly hair and glasses. He was introduced by a book reviewer for the WPost, also in a button down short - blue, jeans, and real leather boat shoes; curly hair - gray - and glasses. The scientist/author wore an open neck neutral shirt, khakis, sport jacket; as did the presenter who introduced him, another reviewer. They both wore leather shoes with good support. Thank goodness for the fellow in the audience. He wore navy shorts with a shirt and jacket, the corduroy kind with patches on the elbows. Balding with glasses, he sported knee high maroon socks with white pirate skull heads and sandals. Hurrah for us! The readers! The real entertainment!