“Just because this legislation has passed does not mean that the fight is over. I will do everything in my power to defend South Carolina’s 10th amendment rights against these excessive federal government mandates.

I voted against the Democrat’s healthcare bill because my state’s economy is already on life support. We cannot afford to put any more South Carolina jobs in jeopardy — which is exactly what will happen under this government takeover of healthcare.”

First of all, I'd like to congratulate him on this line: "I voted against the Democrat’s healthcare bill because my state’s economy is already on life support." Nicely done, sir. Nicely done.

However, I'm tired of this 10th amendment meme that's taken hold among the right. The other day, I was listening to WTMA's The Morning Buzz with Richard Todd and both Richard and Jack Hunter were moaning and groaning about states' rights and what Barrett calls "excessive federal government mandates."

Well, here's the thing, it's just like it says in the 10th amendment: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

But there's a problem: The states gave those powers away, and that's fine and dandy. It's their right to do so. But you can't deny that that's what they did.

See, instead of going it on their own, making do with what they had, the states got greedy, they went looking for government handouts, you know, to help pay for roads, schools, grants, tax incentives, pet projects, you name it. And in return, they gave up their sovereignty. They gave up their right to do what they like for a cheap buck.

Make no mistake, folks, the great state of South Carolina, and every other state in this union, is a gloriously fat and lazy welfare queen who feeds her increasingly large brood of children government cheese and buys lottery tickets with her EBT card and refuses week after week, year after year, to get a freakin' job.

So please, everybody, Barrett included, enough with the 10th amendment yappery. Either wean South Carolina off the teat of federal largesse or shut the hell up.

• Austin Nelson

Guests crowded around a mini runway to watch the three emerging designer finalists present their final challenge: one look created from men’s dress shirts, inspired by Alexander McQueen. Barbara Beach’s pint-sized model looked adorable in her light-blue frock with a corset-like bodice. Jamie Lin Snider presented a stunning gown with fan detailing across the bust. And Larika Page created a high-necked short dress with a bright blue cut-out in the front. We’ll spare you the suspense: Larika Page was named the winner, while Barbara Beach was voted People’s Choice winner. 

• Austin Nelson

Last year’s Emerging Designer winner Marysia presented her new line next. From my unfortunate perch behind about 50 other people, I could barely make out the show, the models’ giant palm frond head pieces the most visible things. From far away, the neutral-colored pieces seemed bland and a little disappointing compared to last year’s feminine, fun line. It was certainly a departure for Marysia. But looking closer at the photos this morning, I recognized the impressive attention to detail more in line with the designer’s style: things like scalloped edges, striped inlays, and subtle ruffles. The only thing we weren’t sure about were the unflattering high waists on some of the bikinis. We were definitely sure about the unexpected tribal dance the models did at the end of the show.

After the brief shows, it was time to party. For many of the familiar faces in the tents — from models to designers to volunteers to media — the finale was a much-deserved treat after a very long week. Dancers crowded onto the runway, while others drank and shmoozed until they were kicked out. It was no doubt the most fun finale party we’ve experienced in our three years covering CFW, and it was an enjoyable reward for the week of long hours, late nights, and uncomfortable shoes.

Check out Austin Nelson's slideshow below. Also, be sure to see our Flickr page for all of the beautiful photos from this year's CFW.

Stomach viruses are running rampant in the Lowcountry. The number of outbreaks this year has already surpassed the number from last year.

"I was like just leave me here on the bathroom floor please. Don't move me don't touch me. It was bad," said Camille Watkins.

Camille Watkins says it was the sickest she had been in her life. The most severe symptoms lasted just one day. After days of vomiting and not eating she went to the doctor, and he confirmed she had the norovirus.

"I went to a friend's oyster roast, and that's how I got it and a bunch of us got it. Not every single person, but about 90% of us got it," said Watkins.

Yikes. But here's the thing: The norovirus is a contagious bugger and can easily spread from person to person; however, norovirus outbreaks related to oysters generally have nothing to do with person to person contact.

According to the CDC:

Some foods can be contaminated with norovirus before being delivered to a restaurant or store. Several outbreaks have been caused by the consumption of oysters harvested from contaminated waters.

Or you can just search Google for "norovirus and oysters." You'll find plenty of examples.

So, we're talking about a case of apples and oranges here. A cruise ship outbreak of norovirus is one thing; a norovirus outbreak as the result of bad oysters is something else entirely.

• Austin Nelson

Friday night at Charleston Fashion Week was, to put it tastefully, not as exciting as one would have hoped. Brace yourself: I’m about to get catty.

The night began with Teal. The Madonna soundtrack was taken very seriously, with the models donning leg warmers, lace gloves, and even Farrah hair (and yes, I’m aware that trend is from a different decade). In my opinion, hot pink leggings have no place on a real runway, but there they were. Some of the outfits were cute, but the collection felt mismatched and things just didn’t look expensive (even though I’m sure they are in the store). Mary Mojo was next, and it is pretty clear that I’m not this store’s target demographic. Most of the models aged just wearing the clothes; maybe I’ll want to take a second look when I’m 10 or 15 years older. Meanwhile, Biton actually started with a girl in a white t-shirt and jeans — which didn’t seem appropriate for a store that was described as “fashion forward” in the video shown immediately prior to its show. This didn’t seem like fashion; it was just clothing.

I had hope for the second half of the evening, and my interest was initially piqued by La Roque’s pieces, which meshed well together. Though it didn’t appeal specifically to my tastes, it at least had some sass to it, and one navy blue dress in particular was adorable. But then V2V let me down. Let’s just say it was very appropriate to choose Ke$ha as the runway music. The collection had very few high points that were negated entirely by the lows. Some models wore crowns of flowers that looked completely out of place with their outfits. We weren’t at a maypole dance. There were even times when — dare I say it — things just looked trashy. 

• Austin Nelson

But Gwynn’s definitely gets kudos for truly putting on a show. When the first model walked out in a white one-piece bathing suit with a feathered shrug, the audience knew this collection would be different. It kept to a theme of colors, with a palatte of white, gold, and maroon. Pieces ranged from elegant to edgy, and there was finally some entertainment value for the audience: boobs for the men, pecs for the women, and New Order for me.

• Austin Nelson

The featured designer for the evening was Ashley Reid, showing her Clewis Reid line. The collection was simple and subtle, composed of short dresses and rompers in a beautiful color scheme of coral, magenta, and a pale green. They weren’t particularly structured, but the outfits still managed to appear flattering. My favorite detail was the netting seen of the pieces; it was a surprise that turned what could have been boring into something unique and desirable. Reid is a past emerging designer and currently teaches at the Art Institute of Charleston; at the end of her show, she humbly brought out the students that helped her accomplish what we saw tonight.

I’m looking forward to tomorrow and the completion of the Emerging Designers contest. So until then, I’ll retract my claws. (For now.)

Check out Austin Nelson's slideshow below, and for even more pictures go to our Flickr.

• Austin Nelson

Best Accessories: Copper Penny

Not surprisingly, Copper Penny, local clothing, jewelry and shoe retailer, sent the best accessories down Thursday night’s runway. Youthful heels, such as uber high, gold painted, cork platforms, spiced up trendy silk mini dresses and “going out” tops. Woven, black stiletto sandals were a welcomed update on the strappy classic, while brightly hued chunky necklaces and bold bangles created a playful contrast against mint, magenta, and turquoise frocks. Perhaps the best accessory of all were the freshly cut daffodils the models tossed into the audience during the finale. An appropriately seasonal touch.

Best Styling: Hampden Clothing

Perhaps it was the gifted hand of guest designer Logan Neitzel — whose sharp leather pieces endowed the show with provocative panache — or the experience of the store’s stylish owner, Stacy Smallwood, but whatever the cause, Hampden Clothing’s runway presentation skillfully styled garments and accessories to create edgy, high fashion looks. From sporty lace-up platforms and knee highs to of-the-moment long, side-swept braids to sequin boyfriend sweaters paired with delicately ruffled miniskirts, Hampden Clothing’s style was au courant.

• Austin Nelson

Biggest Flop: Tommy Bahama

Spanish guitar music is perfect on a candlelit date or romantic getaway, but — lacking a strong beat or high energy — it makes a dreadful choice for a runway show, as Tommy Bahama so painfully proved last night. Even the models looked bored as they unenthusiastically strolled down the runway in the casual beach- and sportswear of the well-established national retailer. From “dad jeans” to bikinis, the label covered no new ground, and looked more like a mature Abercrombie & Fitch than a fashion presentation.

• Austin Nelson

Most Theatrical: Mary Porter

Glamour overflowed during the Paris-inspired Mary Porter show, as models took to the runway one at a time, escorted only by the charming French music booming from the speakers. Drawn out flirtatious walks met the end of the runway with exaggerated poses, and a butler emerged to assist one model with her shopping bags. While the glittery fabrics occasionally bordered on pageant-like, sharp silhouettes kept the looks chic. Slinky sequins and feather-encrusted ensembles seemed fitting for a French version of the Marilyn Monroe classic “Gentleman Prefer Blondes.” From the opening floor-skimming brown velvet dress, enhanced with exaggerated tufts of celery hued-silk that poured from the hip and shoulder, to the later, glitzy and fluid beaded ensembles, Thursday night’s final show did not disappoint.

Most Overplayed Song: MGMT, “Kids”

The hip song that had the audience bouncing in their seats during CFW 2009 returned this year with a vengeance. Less novel and more overplayed, “Kids” boomed through the tents in Marion Square Thursday night before, during, between, and after runway presentations. Turns out there can be too much of a good thing.

• Austin Nelson

Thursday night at Charleston Fashion Week managed to sum up the Holy City’s style scene pretty neatly: some talented designers, some fashion-forward stores, and a few boring places where the wealthy vacationers shop.

After an energizing introduction from violinist Daniel Davis (who played Michael Jackson’s "Billy Jean"), the night kicked off with a show from Eden Boheme. The feminine shapes and romantic details were reminiscent of owner Anna Lassiter’s show earlier this week, with a more structured, 1950s flair. Ladylike hats, glamorous fabrics, and lots of ruffles made this an altogether pretty show.

Then Tommy Bahama came out with no doubt the worst show thus far — thank goodness we were expecting it. Uninspired, bland resort-wear had the models looking as bored as the audience. Even the music was putting us to sleep.

Copper Penny reflected Charleston’s strong sorority girl/yacht club contingent with a predictable assortment of bright, trendy, and classic dresses. After the intermission when Pearl took the stage, we had a major case of deja vu — more cocktail dresses. Pretty stuff, but pretty forgettable, too. Except for some Dynasty-esque makeup.

• Austin Nelson

Hampden started their show with a stunning Yigal Azrouel dress (which City Paper contributor Maggie Winterfeldt had worn the night before). The show continued to be on-trend and bold with modern shapes and unexpected use of fabrics like jersey and soft leather. Many of the pieces incorporated unique draping across the back and shoulders, one of our favorite trends we’ve spotted thus far. The models’ thick black and blue eyeshadow added to the overall rocker feel of the show.

Before the intermission, the top 10 male and female models strutted their stuff down the runway for the judges. While at first we thought the Rock the Runway Competition a bit gimmicky, it added a much-needed dose of energy to the night. At the end of the show, Antwuan Whitney and Caroline DeBruhl were named the winners. After all their hard (and unpaid!) work, we’re glad the models got some recognition.

Seeking Indigo presented a collection of globally inspired maxi dresses and classic minis in unforgiving fabric. The shapes — if there were any — were mostly bland, but the fabrics were beautiful and the beaded trimming on many of the pieces set them apart.

• Austin Nelson

Mary Porter brought up the caboose with her line of couture gowns. Though the models seemed to be moving in slow motion to the beat of the Moulin Rouge-esque soundtrack, it was one of our favorite shows of the evening thanks to the sheer drama of it all. Grace Kelly, Jackie O., and the original Barbie were brought to mind as the models sauntered down the runway in gowns created from glamorous sparkly fabrics, adorned with accessories like birdcage veils and giant feathers.

And while we enjoyed Mary’s show, it was really only a hint of what the night was missing — energy, creativity, and originality. Certainly, Thursday night was focused on Charleston’s retail world, which is a valuable part of the fashion community, but watching the shows was little different from browsing through the stores themselves. Thinking back to some of last year’s most memorable shows (iHeart, Biton, Mary Norton/Saks) we found ourselves craving just a little more ... fun.

Here’s hoping the rest of the week will deliver more excitement.

Check out Austin Nelson's slideshow from the night below, and see our Flickr page for even more.

It’s hard to imagine a politician more schizophrenic than Mitt Romney. As Massachusetts governor, Romney was pro-choice, supported amnesty for illegal aliens and was gay friendly. As a 2008 Republican presidential candidate, Romney became pro-life, opposed amnesty and gay marriage. In his new book, “No Apology: The Case for American Greatness,” Romney says hardly anything about abortion, illegal aliens or social issues, but plenty about how government must grow and do more, with his biggest beef with President Obama being where it should grow and what it should do. Critics might be inclined to compare Romney’s big government philosophy to that of the last Republican president but Romney’s is actually worse—particularly on the issue that has most defined Bush’s legacy.

Whereas President Bush ran for president in 2000 opposing Bill Clinton’s nation building overseas (something Bush would not live up to), Romney begins his book and presumably his 2012 presidential campaign, by making crystal clear that his concept of “American greatness” is inextricably tied to more war, more nation building and an even more ambitious foreign policy. Romney not only firmly believes the US should be the world’s policeman, but continuously frames practical foreign policy questions in moralistic, religious-like language. Claims brother Romney: “there can be no rational denial of the reality that America is decidedly a good nation. Therefore it is good for America to be strong… freedom for our grandchildren and for people everywhere can be guaranteed only by America-a strong America.” Looking back on the 20th century, Romney explains: “we found that our vital interests could not be secure in the face of threats to the cause of freedom elsewhere… America took on the task of anticipating, containing and eventually defeating threats to the progress of freedom in the belief that actively protecting others was the best way to protect ourselves.”

For Romney, foreign policy is not simply a question of the national interest or even practical defense, but securing freedom for “people everywhere,” and “American greatness” means recognizing that the national interest and global interests are, and always have been, indistinguishable. While Bush said of America’s dealings with other nations in 2000, “If we’re an arrogant nation, they’ll resent us… If we’re a humble nation but strong, they’ll welcome us,” Romney explicitly rejects that America has been or ever could be “arrogant” and Bush’s notion of a humble nation directly contradicts exactly what Mitt believes makes America great-benevolent hubris.

Whereas George Washington warned against “foreign entanglements” and John Quincy Adams advised that America “goes not abroad in search of monsters to destroy,” Romney wants endless entanglements and sees monsters to destroy everywhere. In addition to championing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Romney considers Iran, China, North Korea and Russia grave “threats” and also believes it is the US’s moral obligation to admit Georgia into NATO, which would have conceivably put American boots on the ground in that country in 2008. During that border battle between Georgia and Russia, a campaigning John McCain immediately injected the US into the mix, proclaiming that Americans were “all Georgians now.” No doubt, Romney shared McCain’s sentiment, though what concrete interests the US might have in that conflict are vague or speculative at best. Still, Romney forebodes: “We are engaged in two hot wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and facing growing threats in almost every region of the world. Weakness invites challenges, acts of intimidation, acts of aggression, and sometimes war.” For Romney, “sometimes” is all the time.

Read the entire column

ADDENDUM: While Romney is out there pushing a hardcore neocon platform for 2012, "Republican Revolution" of 94' Congressman and MSNBC host Joe Scarborough told an audience at the CATO Institute on Thursday:

"those who are still arguing in 2010 that we can somehow export democracy across the globe or rebuild other countries on the other side of the world in our image, these are the people that we have to call out today, tomorrow and everyday as the dangerous radicals that they are, history has proven them and their worldview to be dangerous and radical."

No problem Joe! That was exactly my intention with this Romney commentary. Hear Joe's entire speech here. The whole thing is great.

From CNN:

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, whose political career flamed out after he admitted a year-long affair last year with an Argentine woman he called his "soulmate," acknowledged Thursday that he violated state ethics rules on campaign spending and government travel.

Sanford did not go quietly. He said in a statement that he still believed "in the innocence of my actions" and boasted of his record for fiscal responsibility while in office. Sanford said his administration has spent 63 percent less on travel than his predecessor did.

Those "innocent" actions include using the state's airplane for personal use and taking luxury flights on overseas trips.

"[I]t's time to move on," Sanford said. "While I believe I would be vindicated on all these matters if there were ever a full airing, the people of South Carolina have moved on from all that unfolded last summer and this administration has moved on as well."

And by "move on" he means that he delayed this confession just long enough to avoid impeachment. According to The State, Sanford will pay $74,000 to settle the case and "$66,223 to reimburse the cost of the investigation and his use of aircraft, travel, and campaign funds."