Glass Half Empty for U.S. Economy?

Grapevine: Glass Half Empty for U.S. Economy?

Former White House economic adviser's negative outlook

Ain't No Sunshine

Former White House economic adviser Christina Romer does not sound as sunny and upbeat as she used to when she worked for the Obama administration.

Romer was known for her glass-half-full approach to most economic news. However, when asked about the S&P's credit downgrade Friday, Romer told HBO's Bill Maher it was a sign that the country was -- quote -- "pretty darn" blanked -- an expletive.

She attributed her foul language to Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, joking he swears -- quote -- "like a seventh grade boy."

Third Wheel

A new blog featured on the Smithsonian's website is getting attention for all the wrong reasons.

The Department of Innovation describes itself as being -- quote -- "about people and ideas that will likely shape the way we will live one day."

However, the logo features three interlocking gears that, many point out, could not actually turn and rotate properly.

One user noted -- quote -- "The gears are immobilized and represent the opposite of innovation. It does accurately reflect the current state of our nation's capital but that's hardly innovative. I recommend shifting gears."

Timing Is Everything

And finally, Hollywood's take on the Navy SEAL mission that killed Usama bin Laden is scheduled to come out in October of next year less than a month before the presidential election.

Columnist Maureen Dowd writes the film -- quote -- "will no doubt reflect the president's cool, gutsy decision" and is "perfectly timed to give a home-stretch boost to a campaign that has grown tougher. The moviemakers are getting top-level access to the most classified mission in history."