triggerhappymedia

What if…all the people who attended Obama’s inauguration descended upon Wall Street for one massive demonstration?

It won’t happen. The current economic crisis has fueled a lot of talk about corporate greed and self-interested executives. But below the surface there is also a sense of admiration- envy even- for those who live the high life, fly in private jets, drop $1400 on a trash bin.  It may be cynical to say, but since when does morality trump wealth and status in this country?

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Trigger: Economic woes at heart of French strike

So Nicolas Sarkozy won the French presidential election.

I’ll admit I don’t know enough about French politics to make an intelligent commentary. But ever since I visted his official website, I’ve felt compelled to comment…

Why? In two words, it’s bizarre. Since the results were announced on Sunday, a strange looped celebratory montage has occupied the front page.

A variety of html codes were made available during the campaign so that other websites could post banners of support. I suppose these wouldn’t look bad on MySpace, since the visual appeal of Sarko’s site is only slightly better (re: it’s crap.)

Then there’s the Sarkozy Boutique. Gifts for that special someone include shopping bags and mobile phone covers of le président sporting a casual zip-up cardigan. Frightening.

Maybe now that the election season is over, these items should go on sale. I suggest 47% off.

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Trigger: Nicolas Sarkozy’s official website

As the presidential election draws near, the media is taking a renewed interest in all things France.

Click here for an excellent report from the housing estates in Clichy-sous-Bois, a Parisian suburb whose name will forever be associated with the burning cars and rioting of fall 2005.

This slideshow is particularly striking because of the way it’s presented. The use of still photography underlines how the government has also been still- idle- in addressing the horrendous quality of life in the suburbs.

The pairing of the photographs with a fluid audio track underlines the volatility of the environment. The urgency for change is clear, as is the desperation of the French citizens who are still considered aliens in their own country.

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Trigger: ‘After the riots’ by Angelique Chrisafis and Dan Chung