President Obama gave his second State of the Union address last night, and ooooo-weeee was it good. No matter how you feel about the man, it’s impossible to deny that his oratory skills are a huge part of what got him where he is today. In my opinion, last night’s speech didn’t disappoint. At the end of the night, I found myself singing I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free… under my breath as I washed my face and brushed my teeth.

If you didn’t catch it last night, it’s available here, and if you’ve got a free hour, I highly recommend watching it. If nothing else, it’s a great summary of everything going on in our country right now so you can get caught up on all the main points that will affect you moving forward.

But if you don’t have the time, here’s a summary of his main points:

Like almost every State of the Union, the president focused on the unity of the American people and the necessity for cooperation to solve future challenges.

“Those of us here tonight have had our differences over the last two years. The debates have been contentious… and that’s a good thing,” he said. But “Tucson reminded us that no matter who we are or where we come from, each of us is a part of something greater—something more consequential than party or political preference. We are part of the American family.”

The challenge “the American family” is facing is how to continue to be competitive in the globalized economy.  “We need to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world,” the president argued.

How will we do this? By allocating government funds towards research and innovation (“What we can do—what America does better than anyone else- is spark the creativity and imagination of our people”), improving education through state-based initiatives, tackling the issue of immigration (“let’s stop expelling talented, responsible young people… who could be further enriching this nation”) and by rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure.

He laid out his plan to reduce the federal deficit by freezing annual domestic spending for the next five years and touched on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. “This year…we [will] finish the job of bringing our troops out of Iraq. America’s commitment has been kept. The Iraq war is coming to an end,” he said.

Overall, Obama was pretty vague- he mentioned health care reform and the economy only fleetingly, two issues that are really on the forefront of the American consciousness. But, the State of the Union is always vague. Sure, he didn’t give details to Congress about what legislation and bills he expects to see in the next year, or how specifically to face the obstacles he described. But Congress isn’t the real audience for the speech, we are- the American people. What he needed to do was inspire us, make us proud of our country, and excite us about the future.

And he did.

“From the earliest days of our founding, America has been the story of ordinary people who dare to dream… The idea of America endures. Our destiny remains our choice. And tonight, more than two centuries later, it’s because of our people that our future is hopeful, our journey goes forward, and the state of our union is strong,” he concluded.

I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free… Uh oh… it’s stuck in my head again.

So tell me, what did you think of Obama’s speech? Did he answer your questions? Inspire you? Regain your trust? Share below.

So, I was surprised by the news this week that America ranks nineteenth in gender equality. In other words, based on factors including salary equality, education, political representation and life expectancy, the Global Gender Gap Report determined that women in eighteen countries come out ahead of us American females.

I was disappointed, but maybe I should have been happy- nineteen is a big improvement from 31^st last year, and 27^th the year before.

Nineteenth out of 134 countries really isn’t terrible…but it isn’t exactly wonderful either. In a high school graduating class, the land of the free and the home of the brave wouldn’t have even received Honors. Iceland would be the valedictorian of woman’s equality, but I don’t suggest a mass exodus of down-stuffed-parka-wearing women to the Nordic country. (I spent one shivering winter in Chicago and that was enough for me.) Even there, women don’t have it as great as men.

Many left dateless on the 60:40 male to female campuses won’t be surprised that the U.S. is one of twenty-two countries that offers equal education attainment for men and women. America is also near the top of economic participation and opportunity (number 6), an encouraging find as we graduate and join the workforce. In fact, in the U.S., women are ahead of men as professional and technical workers.

What screws us over, then, is the subindex category “political empowerment.” Now I know we’ve never had a female president, but there are women politicians out there. Look at our Secretary of State! And all those Congresswomen, like Olympia Snowe! And Barbara Boxer! And…  others? (I’m realizing now how many more male than female politicians I can name.)

America is 40^th in this category, after some countries not particularly known for their human rights, like Argentina, Cuba and Uganda. We’ll never improve our equality ranking if we keep electing so many more male than female politicians. Beyond the obvious gender gap this creates, there’s also the issue that policy concerning women’s right will be drafted, debated and passed by a testosterone driven government. We don’t get to make the rules that concern us.

I think the best way to kick Iceland off it’s glacial throne is by supporting as many female candidates as we can, even if they’re not running in our districts, and maybe even running for office ourselves one day.

What do you think? How can we decrease the gender gap in America?

Lady Liberty wouldn't be caught dead in a fanny pack

Patriotism is kicking into high gear as our Nation celebrates its big birthday today.  Suddenly, the crowds on the streets look like they got lost on their way to a (slightly chubby) reproduction of an American flag-themed musical.  With fanny packs…lots of fanny packs.

In contrast to the more traditional elements of American style (bedazzled jean jackets, tie dye and reverse fit denim), people are going all out to show their love and support for this great nation. In the form of sequins. But is an American flag parachute jacket really the way to show someone, especially our forefathers, you care?

I don’t know about you, but it’s things like this that make me question my pride in America. I know this is the land of the free, but shouldn’t we be free of fashion like this?

MLK Day is often thought of as just another day off of school and a glorious long weekend, but this year – more than any other year – should be different.

MLK died in his efforts to get equal rights for African American men and women. And now, 40 years later, a black man will finally be president. The thought is chilling, and has inspired all of us to dream again. Our dreams and goals really can become reality.

So this week, in honor of MLK, Obama, and history in the making, the CC writers share their dreams for the United States and our futures.

Elisabeth – UA Huntsville: It would be nice to see deserving students be able to get the financial help they need for school without having to jump through ridiculously tiny hoops.

Brithny – Duke University: My dream is to get more sleep so I can actually have dreams. The REM-induced ones.

John – UConn: I’ve got two dreams: one, a world where we fix our broken culture of masculinity, so young men get the chance to grow up and be normal, useful people instead of overcompetitive, bigoted, emotionally crippled date rapists. Two, which is I guess more of a nightmare, a world that doesn’t get nuked, globally warmed, smacked with an asteroid, aerosolized, Ebola’d or Gray Goo’d within my lifetime. Or ever, I guess.

Lauren – University of Michigan: It would be nice to see the American automakers producing cutting-edge technology to allow us to compete in the world market again and save the state of Michigan.

Amanda – Wagner: I would like to see our rights as women protected. I would also like to see more shirtless Obama!

Alex – Lakehead University: My dream is for the war in Iraq to be completely over and done with and have all the soldiers back home.

Thu – USC: More people being environmentally conscious. I know that more are becoming aware of their effect on the environment, so that’s already a great step toward improving our surroundings.

Meregan – Brown University: I would like Americans to be proud of this country again.

Mazuba – Westchester Community College: My dream is for Barack Obama to have a successful year in office and to solve the economic crisis. I also hope he helps use his power to end the war in Darfur .

Maddie – Tufts: I want to see college tuition made cheaper. Too many students are deprived of a good education because they can’t afford $50,000 (frightening, right?) a year.

Sarabeth – University of Texas: My dream is for gay couples to be legally recognized in this county; be that gay marriage, civil union, whatever. Give them the rights they deserve.

Elizabeth – UC Berkeley: I would like to see America make environment-friendly practices a priority.

Sarah – East Carolina University: I’d like to see the country unified and patriotic again, like we were just after 9/11. But we’re pretty polarized.

Each week I’ll be putting together a cute and affordable “going out” ensemble guide (that you can tweak to your own personal style and body type, of course) so that maybe that age-old question can be answered a little quicker than usual. And your friends aren’t waiting - for hours - for you to emerge from your room. Just consider me your own (free) personal Rachel Zoe.]

We’re just one week away from one of the most historical inaugurations in American history. So, in honor of that, I thought why not go a little patriotic when I’m out and about this weekend…

A cute top in blue with silver embellishments is definitely a fun and easy way to show some U.S. pride. You could also just wear an American flag as a dress, but this is probably a classier and chic-er option.

There is nothing more American than a pair of boot cut jeans. They also happen to look great with heels and are a good way to elongate/slim your legs. I’ve always been a fan of Gap’s boot cuts.

To add some real all-American pop to your outfit, go with one red detail, be it shoes, a clutch, or even red lipstick.

Just don’t go too overboard with the red. If you go for the lipstick or clutch, wear a muted silver shoe.

And because the embellishments on the top are an accessory in themselves, all you need is a simple pair of earrings (like some hoops) to avoid looking like a decorated Christmas tree.

Now you’re ready to get out there and create your some fireworks. You know, to celebrate your freedom.

Have I got the perfect girly cocktail for those 4th of July needs. It’s chilled, fruity, and when served with blueberries and a hint of whipped cream, it’s patriotic.

Watermelon Mellow

• 8 cups diced watermelon (about 1/2 of a small watermelon, plus slices for garnish)

• 8 ounces lemon vodka (make sure it’s chilled)

• 7 ounces simple syrup*

• 1 can coconut juice

• 1 lemon

Put your diced watermelon in the freezer for 30 minutes. Afterwards, put all the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. Squeeze some fresh lemon into the mixture, and serve very cold in a chilled glass. Feel free to garnish with watermelon, a few blueberries, and the slightest hint of whipped cream.

(*simple syrup is easy to make. Take 1 cup sugar and 1 cup of water and pour both into a small saucepan. Cook on low heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.)

Have a great 4th, and always remember to drink responsibly. Being wasted while fireworks are booming overhead can be very disorienting…and nobody likes a confused drunk.