You’re quite handsome (and I figured it was you), but you have to admit – the resemblance is very real. Thanks for sharing this and all of your other interesting avatar’s.
The only thing is GGail, when the other female Kennedy honorees would inevitably start throwing themselves at my Yardarm, things would turn ugly and quite violent, and I’d only end up embarrassing the President and First Lady as Secret Service dragged me by the ankles out of the East Room. 😳
Chips, Dr. Donald Berwick was on Up with Chris Hayes and he was wonderful.. He was passionate about how ACA is so importand and also how a person with all his talents and money also had to fight his insurance company to get a test for his daughter. So the irony is this brilliant and compassionate doctor had to fight, imagine all the rest of us who get denied via the gatekeepers. This is why this legislation and building to it is so important to us all.
If it is true that Bishop Eddie Long’s wife has filed for divorce after his settlement with some boys he was alleged to have had sexual relations with, then I applaud her. It’s been dismaying to see all of these women lately “standing by their men” after sex scandals have surfaced – Sandusky and Cain’s wives come to mind. I am all for forgiveness, but I think we as women have go to stop excusing certain misconduct of men, particularly sexual misconduct.
I just heard on CNN that the “church” issued a statement in Mrs. Long’s name saying she had changed her mind about the divorce. Her attorney strongly disavowed the statement.
Long was at the pulpit today saying he was going to take a little time off to work with his family. Cheers went up in the church. Wow…how do folks stand behind extremely bad behavior. 😦 He broke all kinds of vows. I’m glad she’s getting away from that man. Maybe Mrs. Cain and Mrs. Sandusky will come to their senses.
He announced he’s taking a brief leave but will remain as sr. pastor. I can’t believe comments like this from one congregant who said, “What he does in his personal time, he does. As long as he’s still preaching, that’s what matters to me.” Ay yi yi. That’s just sad. http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/bishop-eddie-long-takes-1250799.html
You have to understand what happens in a Full Gospel Fellowship. It’s all about what is written in the New Testament and not selective readings or interpretations.
She filed for divorce, then withdrew, then said she is going through with it. I should think so. She said it took her a year of praying to come to that decision. I wouldn’t have thought it would have taken that long after the ugly facts became known. This was another classic sex abuse case, as we’ve seen at Penn State, where he groomed the boys with gifts and trips, represented himself as a father figure and then began sexually abusing them. Why do people still attend his church? That’s a mind-boggler for me.
Isn’t he great? He never ceases to amaze me. Every kind of event, every different kind of presentation, he is so charming, so special and spectacular. He is one of a kind. There will never be another to even come close.
Sonny Rollions is one of my favorite sax players. Saw him at the 2008 Newport Jazz Festival, he shuffled out onto the stage, looked like he could barely stand; then he lifted the sax to his lips and the years melted away with each note played. I’ve seen him numerous times since I was a kid and I think the 2008 Newport performance was his finest.
I love me some Meryl Streep. Just saw her in Bridges of Madison County with Clint Eastwood. She is such a consumate and accomplished actress; I can see why she’s won multiple Oscars.
Sophie’s Choice ripped me up. Kramer vs. Kramer, Manhattan, Plenty, Bridges of Madison Country, Angels in America, Doubt, Julie & Julia – all terrific, spellbinding performances. LOVE her. She deserves to be celebrated every day.
Yes Meryl, “it’s all the things we’ve dreamed of for many years” AND had given up hope of seeing in any politician. Aren’t we blessed? I love him too, Meryl!
They take us to so many new places. I’m a big advocate for film, art, music, literature. It’s made my life so much richer. THANK YOU, POTUS and FLOTUS for all you do.
“The arts are so important in every arena. They lift. They comfort. They heal. They touch lives.”
Thank you UT for this wonderful, and wise, observation! You are truly such an amazing young person! It’s unimaginable to think how life would be without the arts!
Sonny Rollins is one of my favorite Jazz musicians and I was so elated to see him recognized. I still have his original LP’s. Unfortunately, my turn table is out of commission. With all the technological changes that made LP’s obsolete, I am not even sure where I can take my turn table to be repaired.
You Guys are the best!! Everytime there is a live stream, I rush to TOD. I love hearing the commentary! It is sooooooo much more fun than just watching. In fact I never do because sometimes I am just too nerveous. I always wait to hear what you have to say, then I watch the rerun. Well I have to stop commenting now so I can enjoy more of you!
It’s on its way Ceb! I’ll replace my video with the White House version as soon as it’s up, hopefully it’ll be better quality than mine 😳 20 minutes max, hang on in there!
Yo Yo Ma is just the best. He’s such a sweetheart. Always smiling and everytime he’s interviewed, he always has a nice word to say about everyone. He’s also hilariously funny. When he was on Colbert Report he made everyone crack up; especially Stephen who couldn’t believe that Yo Yo had such a wonderful wit. Plus he’s a beast on the cello. A truly gifted artist.
Some of you folks may have seen a show about homeless families on 60 minutes last Sunday. One family was memorable becasue fo the strength and maturity of the teens. Well here is a wonderful followup story on the family.
I saw this on CBS on Thursday or Friday – such good news. I wish all kids sleeping in cars or motels could have such good fortune, instead of being told by a Presidential candidate that they should look forward to cleaning toilets. Great news for this family, though.
Seriously! This woman is too damn hot and PBO knows it too. look at his face, look at his body language. watch him strut in with the hottest chic on his arm!
Now THAT is a handsome couple. Michelle looks beautiful in that dress. I love her in solid deep colors, classic and elegant. And of course the best part is they are both beautiful inside as well. I will never understand how everyone cannot see how very fortunate we are to have these two in the WH, setting such a fine example in every measurable way.
I’m not sure there are words that can describe this dress and how she looks in it…stunning is a good start. She’s lost weight too, it’s very obvious in this dress. She looks amazing.
Plus, the president looks handsome and relaxed. And you got to love the Christmas trees in the background, providing a little more glamor and joy to this picture. I’m just in love with this picture of them, especially Mrs. Obama.
Seriously, that dress could stop a clock. And PBO? OMG, beyond words. Together, they really defy description. THEY ARE AT THEIR PRIME – class, dignity and humility. INCREDIBLE. WOW!!
You know, it’s not just that they are beautiful and sexy, which is quite enough. But they are so warm and compassionate and so REAL. They live to serve others. It’s just really, really incredible.
OMG who designed the dress? It was made for her. Just breathtaking gorgeous! POTUS looks happy and like he doesn’t have a care in the world. The guy knows how to live and be “in the moment” more than anyone I know.
He sure does live in the moment. As long as he has his family, he is happy. I don’t think he takes things personally, he is so comfortable in who he is.
Just GORGEOUS!!!! Both of them….and FLOTUS evening wear is spot on breathtaking everytime!!! She is fire I’m telling you. Everytime I see her I walk taller and feel so good inside.
did anyone else here hear the audience when PBO and Miche were introduced? I could swear I heard an audible gasp from everyone once they saw Miche………. unless I was hallucinating, being fanciful or projecting.
Lisa I thought I heard something as well. I knew exactly when the audience had them in sight even when we didn’t. Heck, I probably would have gasped and grinned like a Cheshire cat.
I heard them gasp also. Now I know why! Wow. Just wow. There are no words to describe how breathtakingly gorgeous she looks in that dress. PBO looks dynamite too!
lisa, I am with you. When they saw how beautiful FLOTUS look, they thought they they were seeing an angel in blue.I am sure POTUS is smiling inside and out saying, Dam I told you’ll my wife was fine.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this dress. I have too many adjectives swimming around in my head, so I won’t even bother, LOL!! This is definitely going in my top 5 of her evening gowns. The President and First Lady are so BEAUTIFUL, inside and out. I just love ’em!!!!!
So beautiful.What beauty and honor and grace they bring to the White House. They represent the US so well.I am more than proud. Too bad that the wingnuts with the faux patriotism would have a tantrum if PBO didn’t where that flag pin on his lapel.Patriotism comes from your actions and deeds…not what you wear on your clothes, or the bumper sticker you plaster on your car.
That pin shouldn’t have to be there…on a tux? REALLY?
😯 😯 😯 This couple is UNBELIEVABLE. Absolutely remarkable how they seem to get more GORGEOUS as they age. Who would not want another 4 years of this magnificence? BREATHTAKING!!!
AMEN! I’m so in love with these people. We are all so very lucky to be alive at this moment in time. That dress, I couldn’t stop raving about it to a friend on the phone. Dang!
I am thinking OMG she looks fabulous!!!!!! I am also thinking now she is what 47? 48? and I am 36. I really need to get it together. This gives me motivation to keep working on it.
I cannot imagine any other First Couple in the White House. FLOTUS can harvest veggies in the morning and turn into a million bucks at any evening affair. I love the beauty inside and out. The inner beauty is wht makes them so special.
Probably. Like I said, I’m not against the flats, but the style…nope. She could’ve worn some flat strappy sandals or something. These look way too casual.
Ahhhhhhhh now got home from a christmas concert!!!!! I missed every single thing!!!!!! 😦 I had a feeling the concert would of started late and ended late :(.
Ahhhhhhh Michelle looks AMAZINGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!! PBO handsome as always :).
😥 ………….I missed it 😥 ………….sigh
I’m leaving! I kept staring and drooling over that gown and our beautiful first couple. I blame you Chips! YOU!! If you didn’t always keep us up to date with all of PBO’s doing and the first family I wouldn’t be addicted like this. I am going to need rehab or something after 2016. I’m sending you the bill. I just wanted you to know ahead of time. Love ya!
Our4thEstate Bobfr
America – BEWARE the #SAMERS – thepeoplesview.net/2011/12/watch-… – they brought you Bush in 2000 & urged you to stay home in 2010. Disastrous Results.
Just logged back on; Wow! the first couple is gorgeous. They look like super-stars (more than those who are often called so) especially in the first photo. They are glowing. Thanks for the photos, Chips.
PS I changed to my laptop because the site is doing funky things on my Ipod, when I click the comments bar at the top. Did anyone else have a problem?
You have to scroll all the way to the bottom and you’ll be given two choices pick the one that says “view full site”. The reason you see what you saw is because you are in mobile setting which is automatic when on iphone, ipod/ipad, blackberry, etc.
good night TOD family.THANK YOU Chip and my TOD family.May God watch over our country and may He watch over potus and flotus and may they have a safe and great night
Looks like 60 Minutes is going after U.S. Justice Dept. for not going after CEOs, CFOs for mortgage fraud, namely Countrywide in this report. Also Wall St. banks. Now I know Il. prosecutors have been very active in pursuing mortgage fraud here as my husband had to testify in one case as one of his clients was a victim. It was one in a whole series of mortgage fraud cases in Illinois. This seems to be all about Sarbanes-Oxley violations with the big boys. Now they’re moving on to Citigroup. Steve Kroft keeps asking, “Why do you think nothing’s been done?”
Steve Croft is doing a great interview. I’m not sure why the Justice Dept hasn’t done something on this based upon the evidence presented in particular Citi.
I agree…I thought Croft handled the interview and the entire segment very well. It seems that the issue is fraud to the INVESTORS not necessarily fraud to the people who bought the bunk mortgages. Not sure if I understood that correctly, but if that’s the case, then I see why it’s hard for the Justice Dept. I think there is ample evidence that these mortgage companies engaged in fraudulent behavior to sell the loans to people, but not sure what there is ample evidence that they fraudulently led investors to believe things were a certain way that wasn’t true.
The financial certification that the Citi CEO Pandit signed after he received a written statement of “inadequate controls” from his regulator, the OCC, would be clear misrepresentation to the investors. The Justice Dept should go after that and any one else who was involved in falsifying financial statements.
Ahhh…will have to read up on what you wrote. I do think there are cases out there against the big banks, hopefully we’ll get to see it during the 2nd term.
Personally, I think this is a good thing. I think the Justice Dept. needs to have the chance to explain themselves since it does SEEM like something should be done by the Justice Dept. They get a chance to explain that they are looking into the situation and that they are looking for all proof out there that can allow them to bring forth a WINNABLE case.
Be careful what you pray/wish for. PBO needs big time doners like any other major politician. Some of those banks could be secret doners to his campaign, the DEMS, or Progressive PACS. The Justice Depatment better start investigating GOP doners. The MSM is desperate for some more THEATRE and DRAMA. Cain’s day in the sun is fading. Time for some more politcal caos and unfortunately the DRAMA starved public will eat it up. 😕
Steve Kroft is now asking if anyone from the WH asked the Justice Dept. to go easy on Wall St. banks. Ugh. The U.S. Justice representative assured that the Justice Dept. is completely independent of the WH. He said they’re working hard, that sometimes it takes a long time—years?—to bring these cases, and he wrapped it up with, “Stay tuned.” Don’t like what Kroft was trying to insinuate. This report is going to stir up some trouble.
I think it’s a fair question, though. Whether we want to acknowledge it or not, there is a political side to the WH that keeps their eyes on re-election. We all know that big business and Wall Street are undermining this administration. Is it so crazy to wonder if the WH and the rest of the administration is reluctant to go after the big financial folks out of a concern that they will go further in undermining the administration and the economy?
Perhaps there is something to be said for a 2nd term, when the president and his team will have the reelection monkey off their back, so they will be able to go hard after the major financial players….
There’s a law that ironically Bush signed after Enron, which makes it a crime to commit fraud against investors. Sarbanes-Oxley. So, there’s some laws out there. Based on what the Justice Department person said during the interview tonight, they are trying and are focused on bringing forth cases that can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This is the criminal burden of proof – much lower than a civil standard of preponderance of the evidence. It’s tough.
I agree. A fair question. It does take years for these things but it is frustrating that there are THOUSANDS of smaller white collar crimes being prosecuted every day and the big guys have escaped to date. With a concentrated effort the Justice Dept would be able to successfully prosecute the bank guys who were at the top in 2007.
You can check out this blog to see the extent of mortgage fraud prosecution that’s going on right now and see that most of the fraud occurred in 2003-2008. The link shows what they’ve prosecuted in the past 3 days: http://mortgagefraudblog.com/component/k2/itemlist/date/2011/12
🙄 Of course they will attach the Obama administration to to all of this. More election year drama. They are trying desperately to find something on PBO that is sinister and corrupt to BLOW up the election. SIGH!!!
What Steve Kroft is asking is why is it taking President Obama so long to prosecute the banks and CEO’S responsible for the financial meltdown created during the Bush administration. The Peoplesview answered the question about why President Obama just can’t frog march all of the CEO’s to jail. Bottom line, what was happening during the Bush administration amounted to LEGALIZED GAMBLING. Steve Kroft and many others criticizing President Obama seem to think he has some magic wand that he is not using effectively.
Just imagine if Steve Kroft had spent this amount of time investigating the Bush administration and asking them the tough questions about no regulations and no oversight. Better yet, I would love to see Steve Kroft devote an hour of 60 Minutes explaining to the American people that after the financial meltdown, the Republican Party is actively blocking the implementation of DODD-FRANK. That’s right, the financial reform legislation that passed because of President Obama and the Democrats. I guess this just does not fit the negative narrative that Steve Kroft wanted to present tonight.
imho, Steve Croft and most of CBS does a fairly good job of asking important questions in their 60 minutes stories. And the question, “why none of the top guys at all these banks —that lost BILLIONS –have not yet been prosecuted 3 years later?” is a critical question for all Americans. CBS was asking good questions about WMD and other Bush fiascos too during the Bush administration, albeit late (like this question coming up 3 years later). Under regulations in 2003-2008 some of it was legalized gambling such as the crazy terms of the underwriting standards that were accepted by the investors. But falsifying a financial report to an investor is a crime – was a crime even back then. No doubt the Repugs trying to block Dodd Frank (most of it has already been implemented by now anyway) is a question but for sure would be less important than the question related to the crimes that cost the taxpayers and caused the housing crisis completely crippling the world economy. I think the Justice Dept can/should prosecute some of these guys soon.
I lost all my support for kroft after the rude interview he did with POTUS, soft balled questions to norquest when POTUS had been nice enough to give him access to his family during POTUS run for the presidency. So no cred in my opinion.
And this idea that Steve Kroft is being and asking ‘reasonable’ questions is bullocks…
Steve Kroft will be just as quick to jump on the bandwagon bashing President Obama about antagonizing the bank executives who can make or break the economy…the ‘job creators’…
Steve Kroft ought to go back to the basics and begin to ask the very simple questions of the GOP obstructionists in government and business…why are you determined to destroy our country and democracy…
Until Steve Kroft and the rest of the so-called ‘credible’ media ask and demand questions to this most glaring and singularly important question, I find them no more useful, well-meaning or credible than Herman Cain as a candidate for president of the U.S…
Did any of them quote the specific charges they think should have already been filed, and the evidence that would be used to try these cases? I’m sure there is work going on to bring these people to justice, if possible – since the President has often talked about this being a nation of laws. However, he’s also mentioned that a lot of what these bankers did was legal under the laws at the time, and that a lot of that was addressed under Dodd-Frank, even though several of the control measures were stripped out during the process. If Steve Kroft can’t list the broken laws that are going unpunished, then I find it hard to stomach him asking why it’s taking so long to prosecute, while I haven’t heard him asking Bachmann and the rest of the GOP why they’re so intent on repealing Dodd-Frank or de-funding implementation of those regulations or confirming the President’s nominee to be Director of the CFPA. i.e. Go after the stuff we can actually do something about.
What an exceptionally gorgeous couple! And what a wonderful website! Thank you Chipsticks for sharing these two precious leaders with their supporters, especially those of us outside the USA.
I was in Trinidad for the past four days and was unable to do my daily lurking. I was also unable to communicate with socasweet. I hope she is doing well.
But, I was thrilled to discover that the top educators from the sixteen Caribbean countries represented at the symposium were all President Obama’s supporters. These were deans of universities, principals of high schools and top government officials. There were constant references to President Obama’s speeches. It reminded me of Sir Paul McCartney’s assuring words to PBO that there were billions of people around the world who have his back.
When I look at Michelle Obama’s evening gowns and her wardrobe overall, I think, “Jackie who?” No one and I mean no other FLOTUS can touch Michelle when it comes to fashion. There are other areas where Michelle excels and they are no less important but her clothes? – Can’t touch this!
AGREED. Jackie was a First Lady who brought both simplicity of style and haute couture to the White House. Mrs. O brings something very different. She has a lot of personality in her fashion choices and is not a slave to any one designer. Very eclectic, very unique style. Always beautiful and at ease with her choices. Simply beautiful.
I love that FLOTUS is not the stepford wife who only stands behind POTUS dressed in a
Chanel suit and pearls. I have nothing against Chanel suits and pearls, but she is so diverse in what she wears. 🙂
I just watched the JFK young years last night online streaming on Netflix. When watching it I noticed how much of a womanizer he was in college and later. I think about the secret meetings with women we did not know about and think of PBO and his faithfulness to his wife. I then think of Chris Matthews excusing it away as being romantic and wonder about his definition of romantic. I think of PBO as being romantic in that he loves his wife and is faithful to her.
No disrespect to any other First Lady, but I chose Michelle Obama. I think the world of her. She is the only First Lady that I have follow like this. I want to know where she will be speaking, will we be able to hear it. I just love her realness. If that is a world .
Jon Huntsman failed to qualify to take part in the Dec. 10th Iowa debate – to qualify he needed to poll at or above 5% in one national poll or at or above 5% in a Des Moines Register poll between Oct 1st and Dec 5th and he failed to do either. He’s selling it as he’s choosing not to take part, choosing to hold a townhall in NH instead, but if that is the case he’ll have to choose to skip the Fox Iowa debate a mere five days later on the 15th or explain why he snubbed Des Moines and ABC but not Ames and Fox five days later.
With Cain out and Huntsman not qualifying this isn’t good news for Newt Gingrich as all others taking part will be after him. Romney, Santorum, Perry, Bachmann, Paul all benefit most from taking Gingrich down. Huntsman OTOH benefits from a strong Gingrich, as it makes Romney look less than a shoo-in, and Mitt’s inability to close has folks giving Huntsman a look. If Newt fades, Mitt is the inevitable candidate again and Huntsman doesn’t have a chance. With Cain, he and Newt seemed to be friendly with each other, so Cain in the very least would have ate up debate time when he got his share of questions.
Chips, time for you to go to your “storage” place and warm up the naughty mat!!! it may soon have some occupant who are now patiently looking up the book of manners that their Mamas gave them!!!!
This Catholic knows recognizes the confessional too well…
Lately I’ve been needing it more than ever to help squelch the anger I feel these days at the madness and those who try to justify it all away…
Forgive me if it sometimes spills over here…I just don’t know how to ignore falsehoods no matter how sneakily packaged or turn a blind eye to saboteurs masquerading as well-meaning participants…
Ah Chi, never ever apologize for sharing your thoughts, I appreciate every ounce of your passion. It’s probably just as well that I’m an extremely lapsed Catholic, otherwise I’d spend half my life in the confessional …. you are completely placid and rational, I’m a volcano on the verge of erupting most of the time.
I know that 99% of the people here are the very, very best, but – like OWS – I’m keeping an eye on the 1%. I promise you, I won’t let them drag us down 😉
Chips thanks for the videos. I was so worried that I missed this important event. What a couple we have in the white house! PBO cracked me up with his speech. Michelle is so stunning I have no words to express how I feel. Sigh
As most of the political world’s attention is captured by the circus of the Republican presidential primary, Barack Obama’s campaign has been assiduously reactivating the formidable infrastructure that helped drive him to victory four years ago.
Obama and the Democratic Party have been pouring organizing resources into battleground states such as Nevada, recruiting volunteers, building social networks, holding outreach events and registering voters.
That same machine will be used to identify and turn out supporters next November.
And the bad news for Republicans, who have largely skipped Nevada in their primary contest, is Obama doesn’t have much work to do to rejuvenate an organization he has been maintaining since he won the state by 12 points four years ago.
“The organizing efforts actually have been pretty good and pretty consistent for a couple of years in Nevada,” said Chip Evans, former chairman of the Washoe County Democratic Party, a key swing county in Nevada. “To some extent, they’ve expanded the Democratic base of activists beyond the typical folks we’ve usually seen.”
A little OT, but I saw an article referencing PBO’s visit to KS on Tuesdayon the previous hread but it did not have a video. Here’s a video and local report on the visit.
White House officials say they will pressure Republican lawmakers from seven states ahead of this week’s expected Senate vote on the confirmation of Richard Cordray to head the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
In a conference call with reporters, aides said the White House will use briefings and interviews with local journalists and statements from local elected officials to try persuading GOP senators to back Cordray in a vote they said could occur Thursday. The seven states – Alaska, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Nevada, Tennessee and Utah – all have Republican senators that the White House is hoping to win over.
Tried my utmost to contact you. Called the hotel Wednesday night to leave my contact information but they said they could not accept the message without my knowing your name. Then I contacted a friend in the Ministry of Education who said that she would check for your name on their list. Unfortunately, she said that there were four women from Montserrat and she could not give me all the names for me to try to find you. She said that if there was only one female representative she would have given me the name. Finally I tried on Saturday. Happened to know the young lady at the hotel front desk – a friend of one of my sons. I actually gave her my blog name to try to catch you if she happened to do your checkout. However I never got a call from her. Hope we get another chance to meet.
The photo of them coming down the hall amongst the multiple Christmas trees is just such a joyous pic. They’re both beautiful- more than just made up Hollywood glamor or ‘rehearsed political couples poses’. These are two genuinely beautiful people.
I just got home.. and what do you know but I’ve missed all the live stuff.. thank heaven for you Chips & your videos.. and OMG that DRESS is sooo beautiful.. our First Lady must have every designer in the universe clamoring to ‘dress’ her.. she is unquestionably the most stunning first lady ever. I love this color on her.. it is very difficult anymore to choose a ‘favorite’ First Lady dress… they’re all so amazing on her.
Obama White House.gov
The Obama Diary 
Did i make the “a” list?
Is this gonna be shown any where else?
Hiya Yardarm, CNN are also showing it on their live streaming:
http://edition.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=4
Thanks Chips. As i promised on an earlier thread. i give you the real deal Avatar. 😀 Enjoy it, cause it won’t be up long..
yardarm – who is that Teddy Pendergrass look alike on your avatar?
Very funny. That is yours truly. and i was here before Teddy. (Whipper snapper!) 😆 rip.
I love it yardarm! Very, very handsome!
Thank you for your kindness Joan. i’ve had better days however…..Can’t remember when though. 😀
You’re quite handsome (and I figured it was you), but you have to admit – the resemblance is very real. Thanks for sharing this and all of your other interesting avatar’s.
No problem when one is not in a hostile environment. 😉
you know you’re one of us yardarm – always and forever 🙂
Please quit with the handsome stuff until i get a movie contract. 😆 i appreciate being one of the group. But i refuse to get a “naughty mat”!
Yardarm, I only just saw the pic – you stud!!!!!!!! Jeez, I’m going to run out of naughty mats by the time the night is done!
Hardee har, har. That ain’t gonna happen. A sheet of newspaper will do. 😉
Weepin’!!!!! 😆 😆 😆
LOL!!!!!
Chipsticks, I think yardarm would cut a dashing figure escorting you to next year’s Kennedy Center Honors!
The only thing is GGail, when the other female Kennedy honorees would inevitably start throwing themselves at my Yardarm, things would turn ugly and quite violent, and I’d only end up embarrassing the President and First Lady as Secret Service dragged me by the ankles out of the East Room. 😳
“as Secret Service dragged me by the ankles out of the East Room”———- hilarious visuals, Chips!!!!
I promise you one thing Lisa, when it happens I won’t be posting the photos here. 😳
You are tooooooo funny Chipsticks! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Y’all need to quit it. i just soiled myself!
😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆
Chica….you are hilarious……”naughty mats”….”dragged by ankles”…….. lol
Hiya Chipsticks!
Thanks for this heads up! I had forgotten this was airing today!
You’re the BEST!
You’re welcome GGail 😉
Chips, Dr. Donald Berwick was on Up with Chris Hayes and he was wonderful.. He was passionate about how ACA is so importand and also how a person with all his talents and money also had to fight his insurance company to get a test for his daughter. So the irony is this brilliant and compassionate doctor had to fight, imagine all the rest of us who get denied via the gatekeepers. This is why this legislation and building to it is so important to us all.
I see Rahm is there. He just stood up in the back.
Thanks for the heads up Chips. This should be fun. 😀
I love these! Last year’s with Paul McCartney (or was that the year before) was amazing.
I sthat David Axelrod int he front there?
If it is true that Bishop Eddie Long’s wife has filed for divorce after his settlement with some boys he was alleged to have had sexual relations with, then I applaud her. It’s been dismaying to see all of these women lately “standing by their men” after sex scandals have surfaced – Sandusky and Cain’s wives come to mind. I am all for forgiveness, but I think we as women have go to stop excusing certain misconduct of men, particularly sexual misconduct.
I heard on CNN that Mrs. Long did file for divorce, but she must have change her mind.
The divorce is back on again. She withdrew the withdrawal apparently…
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/bishop-eddie-longs-wife-1248978.html
I just heard on CNN that the “church” issued a statement in Mrs. Long’s name saying she had changed her mind about the divorce. Her attorney strongly disavowed the statement.
Long was at the pulpit today saying he was going to take a little time off to work with his family. Cheers went up in the church. Wow…how do folks stand behind extremely bad behavior. 😦 He broke all kinds of vows. I’m glad she’s getting away from that man. Maybe Mrs. Cain and Mrs. Sandusky will come to their senses.
He announced he’s taking a brief leave but will remain as sr. pastor. I can’t believe comments like this from one congregant who said, “What he does in his personal time, he does. As long as he’s still preaching, that’s what matters to me.” Ay yi yi. That’s just sad.
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/bishop-eddie-long-takes-1250799.html
You have to understand what happens in a Full Gospel Fellowship. It’s all about what is written in the New Testament and not selective readings or interpretations.
She filed for divorce, then withdrew, then said she is going through with it. I should think so. She said it took her a year of praying to come to that decision. I wouldn’t have thought it would have taken that long after the ugly facts became known. This was another classic sex abuse case, as we’ve seen at Penn State, where he groomed the boys with gifts and trips, represented himself as a father figure and then began sexually abusing them. Why do people still attend his church? That’s a mind-boggler for me.
I agree!!! Unbelievable that folks stay. I couldn’t take enough showers to feel clean…if i were around these guys.
Thanks Chips! BTW, saw several questions on the last thread regarding the Honors; here is site — http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/specialevents/honors/
The awards were actually presented last night at the Sec State’s dinner.
SO excited to see this event. THANK, Chipsssssss.
Is there a problem with the stream from the White House site?
The stream hasn’t begun yet on the WH site; but CNN has live stream up.
I can’t get CNN on my computer _:)
Got ot pn CNN, Pop up blocker was interferring 🙂
I spy Speaker Pelosi.
saw Ramhbo!!!!
obviously was in too much of a rush to spell correctly: Rahmbo.
I still see a lot of empty seats….this may take a little while longer for audio to begin.
What I wouldn’t give to be back on active duty, stationed in DC, and assigned add’l duty as a WH social aide!
We’re a’ go on WH stream. 😀
Rahm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
So glad he’s there!
I used to have such a crush on Neil Diamond back in the day. He was good looking.
Me Too, saw one of his concerts and I was in heaven. 🙂 🙂 🙂
FLOTUS is STUNNING in that blue gown! I can’t wait to see the front!
She looks breathtakingly goregous.
Oh Michelle looks marvelous. You, too, Mr. President. Swooooon.
She is absolutely stunning…
What a lady…
She inspires. It takes a lot of discipline and effort to stay looking this gloriously fit…
Chi, I haven’t said hellooooooo in ages – how are you doing?
Dear Chip…
I’m well, thank you so much for asking…
Thank you again and again for your hard work…you are amazing…
Just left you an apology at your confessional picture post…
Sorry if I sometimes opt not to play blind kumbayah and end up posting some not so warm and fuzzy responses to some comments…
My tongue is so sore from biting it so often…
Don’t ever forget how incredible you are…
We need your sane and calm to balance out the fury folks like me embody…
The dress! I want to see the dress!!!!!
Have I mentioned lately how much I love and admire and respect President Obama? And Mrs. Obama?
Michelle you the shit (with all due respect 😳 ) you look SPECTACULAR 😯 😯 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀
I KNOW!!!!!!! AND I ONLY SAW HER FROM BEHIND AND I COULD JUST TELL SHE WAS BANGING!!!!!
ps- sorry for the caps. it just expressed how i was feeling. 🙂
😳 couldn’t help myself either Lisa and yes I know what you feel 😉
You know the Repubs would like to kill the arts. Ugh.
What doesn’t the repugs not want to kill? 😡
I know. They want to kill everything good.
I am loving that royal blue on FLOTUS. She looks fab as usual.
Obama/Biden2012
The dress was gorgeous, and she looked gorgeous in it.
I was tickled to see FLOTUS wearing flats under that beautiful sweep of the dress….
What an exciting time to be an American!!
Since you guys are talking so much about how lovely FLOTUS dress is, I am waiting with eager to see FLOTUS dress.
PBO is so funny.
Isn’t he great? He never ceases to amaze me. Every kind of event, every different kind of presentation, he is so charming, so special and spectacular. He is one of a kind. There will never be another to even come close.
amen to that!
There will never be another indeed…
He is an extraordinary human being…
An infinitely better and bigger person than most…
Not chip on the shoulder or need to prove anything to anyone…
Not a hint of envy…nor does he begrudge anyone good fortune…
Gracious, magnanimous, brilliant, evolved and all around amazing…
THIS IS SO GREAT!
Mohamed Ali rushed to hospital unconscious. . .
Oh no.
I will be following about Ali. He was the reason I use to watch boxing. The Greatest of all time.
oh no. My thoughts are with his family.
So sorry to hear that. He’s been through so much.
Damn shame. i knew his first wife and use to see him around Chi-town a lot back in the day.
Again? He was hospitalized before Thanksgiving, and was back at home and doing ok… http://www.cbssports.com/general/story/16326175/muhammad-ali-ok-after-being-hospitalized-for-dehydration/rss
I think that was a couple of days ago. More recent reports were optimistic.
Is this recent?
I know that he was rushed to the hospital last month after attending Joe Frazier’s funeral, but was released and back at home.
Has there been a new development that is not in the news?
LOL. PBO is cutting up.
POTUS is full of fun today!!!!
You’re so right POTUS was making everyone laugh. He is so special.
Sonny Rollions is one of my favorite sax players. Saw him at the 2008 Newport Jazz Festival, he shuffled out onto the stage, looked like he could barely stand; then he lifted the sax to his lips and the years melted away with each note played. I’ve seen him numerous times since I was a kid and I think the 2008 Newport performance was his finest.
Beautiful!
Send Yo-yo to congress!!! hahahahahahaha!!! PBO wants some tips on how to be more likable!!! hahahhhahahahahahaha!! 😆
PBO is so funny. I love Yo-Yo Ma. He’s always smiling and is such a gifted artist.
Too funny. Obama about Yo Yo Mah: “He’s performed on “Sesame Street”. I’ve thought about asking him to go to Congress.”
Potus you’re gonna be in trouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuble with flotus over Meryl 😉
PBO HAD A CRUSH ON MERYL STREEP!
I love me some Meryl Streep. Just saw her in Bridges of Madison County with Clint Eastwood. She is such a consumate and accomplished actress; I can see why she’s won multiple Oscars.
You don’t need tips on being likable PBO. Everybody here on TOD LOVES you.
And millions in the US and more millions all over the world. Actually he might be the most liked politician ever. The Age of Obama it will be called.
I love that, forus50-“The Age of Obama” yes indeed.
PBO has a crush on Meryl!!!!!!!
One of my favorite movies of all time is The French Lieutenant’s Woman – so funny that it’s apparently a favorite of PBO’s!
I like that movie too. Only saw it once a couple years ago.
Sophie’s Choice ripped me up. Kramer vs. Kramer, Manhattan, Plenty, Bridges of Madison Country, Angels in America, Doubt, Julie & Julia – all terrific, spellbinding performances. LOVE her. She deserves to be celebrated every day.
My mom adores Meryl Streep. I think her favorites are Sophie’s Choice and Kramer v. Kramer. I absolutely love Doubt. Demmed good movie in my opinion!
I can see I’m going to have to go on a Meryl Streep Netflix jag.
Aaaaaaah, a simple, yet beautiful dress!
Thank you again Chipsticks!
You keep us in the know 🙂
Meryl will be very flattered that POTUS had a crush on her! She’s said that she just loves him. Great video!
Where/when was this video from?? Is it recent?
Janyary 2009
didn’t mean to create a new month – JANUARY still works
Thank you and you can invent new months if you like 🙂
He’s thoughtful…..etc etc.
Yes Meryl, “it’s all the things we’ve dreamed of for many years” AND had given up hope of seeing in any politician. Aren’t we blessed? I love him too, Meryl!
I always thought Ms. Streep was a talent, a bright, and likeable person. We think the world of POTUS too.
X2
I wanted BE her when I was younger.
Her excitement is so cute! 🙂
SUPERB!! Thank goodness for a resurgence of the arts in the White House!!
I’m extraordinarily happy about that. The arts are so important in every arena. They lift. They comfort. They heal. They touch lives.
They take us to so many new places. I’m a big advocate for film, art, music, literature. It’s made my life so much richer. THANK YOU, POTUS and FLOTUS for all you do.
Our lives would certainly be bleak without the arts. They enrich our lives, bring us together, make us whole and full.
“The arts are so important in every arena. They lift. They comfort. They heal. They touch lives.”
Thank you UT for this wonderful, and wise, observation! You are truly such an amazing young person! It’s unimaginable to think how life would be without the arts!
POTUS is funny and I can’t wait to see Michelle’s dress, couldn’t see enough of it, but she looks great.
Now I have to watch “French Lieutenants Woman” again 🙂 That’s from WAYYYYYYYYYYY back!
I know, right? But Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons together? OMG. I’ve had a big crush on him ever since.
That was a lot of fun. POTUS is so funny sometimes. He loves these types of events, one can tell.
He was cracking me up teasing Neil Diamond about his buttoned up shirt.
He was terrifically funny and so sweet.
That was niiice! How many times have i kicked back and listened to Sonny and some of the other jazz giants. Whew!
Sonny Rollins is one of my favorite Jazz musicians and I was so elated to see him recognized. I still have his original LP’s. Unfortunately, my turn table is out of commission. With all the technological changes that made LP’s obsolete, I am not even sure where I can take my turn table to be repaired.
You Guys are the best!! Everytime there is a live stream, I rush to TOD. I love hearing the commentary! It is sooooooo much more fun than just watching. In fact I never do because sometimes I am just too nerveous. I always wait to hear what you have to say, then I watch the rerun. Well I have to stop commenting now so I can enjoy more of you!
😛
I missed it!
Hope Chips will have a clip later.
It’s on its way Ceb! I’ll replace my video with the White House version as soon as it’s up, hopefully it’ll be better quality than mine 😳 20 minutes max, hang on in there!
Thanks for the heads up Chips. So glad I got to see the stream! That was just adorable. POTUS was terrific and FLOTUS was stunning!
Now I’m off to go watch Christmas movies with my sister and nephew. My heart is singing! Good night everyone!
Chips, honestly, you are SO on your game. You are really on point with the updates and videos. Kudos and please keep it up.
Totally agree Chips you are the best…get all my from your
blog….Please keep up the Good work…many blessings!
Thanks so much. What would I do without you (perish the thought).
Yo Yo Ma is just the best. He’s such a sweetheart. Always smiling and everytime he’s interviewed, he always has a nice word to say about everyone. He’s also hilariously funny. When he was on Colbert Report he made everyone crack up; especially Stephen who couldn’t believe that Yo Yo had such a wonderful wit. Plus he’s a beast on the cello. A truly gifted artist.
Holy shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!!!!!!! The movie Old School is on TBS right now. With uber PBO supporter Will Ferrell.
The scene where he’s drunk as a skunk and running naked in the streets is hilarious. 😆
PBO is always the most handsome and Michelle is always the most beautiful woman in the room.
Some of you folks may have seen a show about homeless families on 60 minutes last Sunday. One family was memorable becasue fo the strength and maturity of the teens. Well here is a wonderful followup story on the family.
Homeless teens on “60 Minutes” get free college
http://www.whatisworking.com/2011/12/homeless-teens-on-60-minutes-get-free.html
I saw this on CBS on Thursday or Friday – such good news. I wish all kids sleeping in cars or motels could have such good fortune, instead of being told by a Presidential candidate that they should look forward to cleaning toilets. Great news for this family, though.
OMG!!!! Michelle’s gown is BEAUTIFUL!!! I want it, I want it, I want it.
http://www.newscom.com/nc/displayOpenDetail.action?searchString=afplivefour180758&search1String=michelle%20obama&search2String=a&dispOutput=grid&eaCurrentPageNum=1&searchSet=no&searchHZ=N&searchVT=N&bylinesearch=&locationsearch=&sourcesearch=&actionsearch=&postersearch=&attrsearch=&capwrisearch=&categorysearch=&scatssearch=&scodesearch=&specialsearch=&subjectsearch=&feature=afplivefour&sort=d&prevNext=Prev&vg=false&searchkey=%5B%5D&searchPhoto=Y&searchVideo=N&searchText=N&searchGraphics=N&daterng=&searchtype=newsearch&searchSetName=&fq=
I’m speechless. Might be her best gown ever. I’ve said it before, so I’ll eat my words, but this is a bad (in a good way) dress. Dayum.
YES!! That’s a bad dress. I don’t know about the best but it is BAD. Those earrings are very pretty as well.
OMG…BEAUTIFUL!!! 🙂
She’s so breathtakingly beautiful and that dress!!! Va Va Va Voooooooooooooooom!!! 😀
Seriously! This woman is too damn hot and PBO knows it too. look at his face, look at his body language. watch him strut in with the hottest chic on his arm!
I see that, too.
Now THAT is a handsome couple. Michelle looks beautiful in that dress. I love her in solid deep colors, classic and elegant. And of course the best part is they are both beautiful inside as well. I will never understand how everyone cannot see how very fortunate we are to have these two in the WH, setting such a fine example in every measurable way.
That dress is beautiful on a beautiful woman! MY, MY, MY!!!!!!
WOW!! WHAT A DRESS!! Stunning, stunning, stunning!!
OMG That dress is unbelievably gorgeous!!!!
I’m not sure there are words that can describe this dress and how she looks in it…stunning is a good start. She’s lost weight too, it’s very obvious in this dress. She looks amazing.
You are correct, vero, there are no words.
I’m not done…
Plus, the president looks handsome and relaxed. And you got to love the Christmas trees in the background, providing a little more glamor and joy to this picture. I’m just in love with this picture of them, especially Mrs. Obama.
Seriously, that dress could stop a clock. And PBO? OMG, beyond words. Together, they really defy description. THEY ARE AT THEIR PRIME – class, dignity and humility. INCREDIBLE. WOW!!
No wonder the whole room let out a big sigh and cheers when they walked in!!
THIS x infinity
You know, it’s not just that they are beautiful and sexy, which is quite enough. But they are so warm and compassionate and so REAL. They live to serve others. It’s just really, really incredible.
OMG who designed the dress? It was made for her. Just breathtaking gorgeous! POTUS looks happy and like he doesn’t have a care in the world. The guy knows how to live and be “in the moment” more than anyone I know.
He sure does live in the moment. As long as he has his family, he is happy. I don’t think he takes things personally, he is so comfortable in who he is.
Wow! Wow! Wow! What else is there to say!!!!! Spectacular, both of them.
Just GORGEOUS!!!! Both of them….and FLOTUS evening wear is spot on breathtaking everytime!!! She is fire I’m telling you. Everytime I see her I walk taller and feel so good inside.
!
Killin’ me!
😆 Truly, they are something else!
Completely MAGNETIC in every way.
I’m telling you, they are so young and classy!
LOVE IT!!
did anyone else here hear the audience when PBO and Miche were introduced? I could swear I heard an audible gasp from everyone once they saw Miche………. unless I was hallucinating, being fanciful or projecting.
Lisa I thought I heard something as well. I knew exactly when the audience had them in sight even when we didn’t. Heck, I probably would have gasped and grinned like a Cheshire cat.
No, no, no – the crowd GASPED as soon as they walked in. It was palpable!! It’s like, WHOA – are these people for real??!!
I heard them gasp also. Now I know why! Wow. Just wow. There are no words to describe how breathtakingly gorgeous she looks in that dress. PBO looks dynamite too!
lisa, I am with you. When they saw how beautiful FLOTUS look, they thought they they were seeing an angel in blue.I am sure POTUS is smiling inside and out saying, Dam I told you’ll my wife was fine.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this dress. I have too many adjectives swimming around in my head, so I won’t even bother, LOL!! This is definitely going in my top 5 of her evening gowns. The President and First Lady are so BEAUTIFUL, inside and out. I just love ’em!!!!!
I’m glad your thoughts are swimming in your head, and not twirling a la Mr. Cain…lol
LMAO, lawd have mercy!! They are all coherent and rational, though. They’re just too many to type. 🙂
Our First Couple looks G-R-E-A-T. And FLOTUS, well what can I say? WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I like how PBO and Miche have good grips on each others hands. Doesn’t look like fire, flood or hail would unsnap those two.
Lisa I’ve noticed that from previous pictures also.
They strengthen and reinforce each other…
They are an unbreakable partnership…
So beautiful.What beauty and honor and grace they bring to the White House. They represent the US so well.I am more than proud. Too bad that the wingnuts with the faux patriotism would have a tantrum if PBO didn’t where that flag pin on his lapel.Patriotism comes from your actions and deeds…not what you wear on your clothes, or the bumper sticker you plaster on your car.
That pin shouldn’t have to be there…on a tux? REALLY?
😯 😯 😯 This couple is UNBELIEVABLE. Absolutely remarkable how they seem to get more GORGEOUS as they age. Who would not want another 4 years of this magnificence? BREATHTAKING!!!
WORD!!!!
Hey, Chips, the caption under the first picture (the close up) should read: “And this is how you keep a good man on lockdown.”
TRUE DAT lisa!
LOL, I love it Lisa!
AMEN! I’m so in love with these people. We are all so very lucky to be alive at this moment in time. That dress, I couldn’t stop raving about it to a friend on the phone. Dang!
Barbara Cook blows a kiss to President Barack Obama
God bless Barbara Cook and all of the Honoree’s
Neil Diamond looks like Sam Donaldson in that picture.
http://news.daylife.com/photo/0g921VseSL98c?__site=daylife&q=michelle+obama
http://news.daylife.com/photo/027kgMZ7ri8xd?__site=daylife&q=michelle+obama
http://news.daylife.com/photo/0ddBf7gbQa7tl?__site=daylife&q=michelle+obama
I am thinking OMG she looks fabulous!!!!!! I am also thinking now she is what 47? 48? and I am 36. I really need to get it together. This gives me motivation to keep working on it.
FLOTUS is 47. And looks like a million bucks.
I cannot imagine any other First Couple in the White House. FLOTUS can harvest veggies in the morning and turn into a million bucks at any evening affair. I love the beauty inside and out. The inner beauty is wht makes them so special.
ain’t that the truth!
love how she’s wearing silver(?) flats. too cute.
Um..not too sure of the shoes. I doubt she intended them to show. I have no problem with flats, but the style seems off. Oh well…still smokin.
A definite no on the shoes. I’m going to believe she was going to slip into a different pair for the party.
She probably wore flats because she was standing @ a two hour reception prior to the remarks.
Probably. Like I said, I’m not against the flats, but the style…nope. She could’ve worn some flat strappy sandals or something. These look way too casual.
I love PBO’s face. It’s like he’s saying uh huh Yeah. That’s my chick. Uh huh. She’s mine. She’s all mine and there’s nothing you can do about it. 😀
You’re right UT. That’s definitely what he is thinking.
that is SO what his face is saying 🙂
I know! Kind of like how late do we have to stay?
I LOVE the shoes too!!
Ahhhhhhhh now got home from a christmas concert!!!!! I missed every single thing!!!!!! 😦 I had a feeling the concert would of started late and ended late :(.
Ahhhhhhh Michelle looks AMAZINGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!! PBO handsome as always :).
😥 ………….I missed it 😥 ………….sigh
I’m leaving! I kept staring and drooling over that gown and our beautiful first couple. I blame you Chips! YOU!! If you didn’t always keep us up to date with all of PBO’s doing and the first family I wouldn’t be addicted like this. I am going to need rehab or something after 2016. I’m sending you the bill. I just wanted you to know ahead of time. Love ya!
“I am going to need rehab or something after 2016.” – ME TOO!!!!!!!!!
ATTENTION TOD family 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀
CBS will broadcast the program on Dec. 27th, 9:00-11:00 PM ET/PT.
http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/2011/12/tonight-president-obama-first-lady-host.html#more
Oh thank you Jesus. I hope I am home…anyways I’ll record it!! Thanks Fred!
Oh my goodness, that is too long to wait.
Our4thEstate Bobfr
America – BEWARE the #SAMERS – thepeoplesview.net/2011/12/watch-… – they brought you Bush in 2000 & urged you to stay home in 2010. Disastrous Results.
#BewareTheSAMERS
#YesWeCanDOMoreTogether
Full link – http://t.co/rHRnlGe0
I love calling them ‘Samers’. That’s very apropos.
Absolutely spot on tweet Bob…
The #samers who brought us Bush in 2000 and urged you to stay home in 2010…
Couldn’t have said it better…
Part 2 soon
Oh yeah, I so totally met that same reality of Organic Chemistry. Left a mark.
[http://www.newscom.com/nc/wmark/Newscom-afplivefour180768?inputPath=/db/AFP/afplivefour/docs/180/768.thm&fname=afplivefour180768]
[http://www.newscom.com/nc/wmark/Newscom-afplivefour180768?inputPath=/db/AFP/afplivefour/docs/180/768.thm&fname=afplivefour180768http]
Just logged back on; Wow! the first couple is gorgeous. They look like super-stars (more than those who are often called so) especially in the first photo. They are glowing. Thanks for the photos, Chips.
PS I changed to my laptop because the site is doing funky things on my Ipod, when I click the comments bar at the top. Did anyone else have a problem?
I meant my Ipad tablet.
You have to scroll all the way to the bottom and you’ll be given two choices pick the one that says “view full site”. The reason you see what you saw is because you are in mobile setting which is automatic when on iphone, ipod/ipad, blackberry, etc.
Thanks Lisa !
http://www.newscom.com/nc/wmark/Newscom-afplivefour180768?inputPath=/db/AFP/afplivefour/docs/180/768.thm&fname=afplivefour180768
cu-tie piiiiiiieeeee!!!! yum yum!!!
Ok, that blue on FLOTUS is beautiful!!
good night TOD family.THANK YOU Chip and my TOD family.May God watch over our country and may He watch over potus and flotus and may they have a safe and great night
Night Fred, sleep well my friend, see you tomorrow.
Lots of good rest to you, Fred. See you tomorrow.
They are my vision of Camelot.
I was thinking that earlier too.
Our First Couple is the X Factor, the IT Factor, the WOW Factor and any other Factor that I have missed all rolled into one special couple.
Looks like 60 Minutes is going after U.S. Justice Dept. for not going after CEOs, CFOs for mortgage fraud, namely Countrywide in this report. Also Wall St. banks. Now I know Il. prosecutors have been very active in pursuing mortgage fraud here as my husband had to testify in one case as one of his clients was a victim. It was one in a whole series of mortgage fraud cases in Illinois. This seems to be all about Sarbanes-Oxley violations with the big boys. Now they’re moving on to Citigroup. Steve Kroft keeps asking, “Why do you think nothing’s been done?”
Steve Croft is doing a great interview. I’m not sure why the Justice Dept hasn’t done something on this based upon the evidence presented in particular Citi.
Too big to jail.
You got that right.should put the entire lot of them in those private prisons they’re putting up all over the place.
I agree…I thought Croft handled the interview and the entire segment very well. It seems that the issue is fraud to the INVESTORS not necessarily fraud to the people who bought the bunk mortgages. Not sure if I understood that correctly, but if that’s the case, then I see why it’s hard for the Justice Dept. I think there is ample evidence that these mortgage companies engaged in fraudulent behavior to sell the loans to people, but not sure what there is ample evidence that they fraudulently led investors to believe things were a certain way that wasn’t true.
The financial certification that the Citi CEO Pandit signed after he received a written statement of “inadequate controls” from his regulator, the OCC, would be clear misrepresentation to the investors. The Justice Dept should go after that and any one else who was involved in falsifying financial statements.
Ahhh…will have to read up on what you wrote. I do think there are cases out there against the big banks, hopefully we’ll get to see it during the 2nd term.
I’m curious about this, too, since they are one of the most egregious.
Looking forward to seeing 60 minutes in about 2 hours here on the west coast.
Absolutely correct!
Personally, I think this is a good thing. I think the Justice Dept. needs to have the chance to explain themselves since it does SEEM like something should be done by the Justice Dept. They get a chance to explain that they are looking into the situation and that they are looking for all proof out there that can allow them to bring forth a WINNABLE case.
Be careful what you pray/wish for. PBO needs big time doners like any other major politician. Some of those banks could be secret doners to his campaign, the DEMS, or Progressive PACS. The Justice Depatment better start investigating GOP doners. The MSM is desperate for some more THEATRE and DRAMA. Cain’s day in the sun is fading. Time for some more politcal caos and unfortunately the DRAMA starved public will eat it up. 😕
…???
I’m with you Chi.
Some banks “could be secret donors” to the President’s campaign?
Seriously Keith, what banks want the President re-elected?!?!
You’re being funny, right?
Steve Kroft is now asking if anyone from the WH asked the Justice Dept. to go easy on Wall St. banks. Ugh. The U.S. Justice representative assured that the Justice Dept. is completely independent of the WH. He said they’re working hard, that sometimes it takes a long time—years?—to bring these cases, and he wrapped it up with, “Stay tuned.” Don’t like what Kroft was trying to insinuate. This report is going to stir up some trouble.
I think it’s a fair question, though. Whether we want to acknowledge it or not, there is a political side to the WH that keeps their eyes on re-election. We all know that big business and Wall Street are undermining this administration. Is it so crazy to wonder if the WH and the rest of the administration is reluctant to go after the big financial folks out of a concern that they will go further in undermining the administration and the economy?
Perhaps there is something to be said for a 2nd term, when the president and his team will have the reelection monkey off their back, so they will be able to go hard after the major financial players….
I’d really like to know the specific charges to be brought since W Bush made everything they did fairly legal.
There’s a law that ironically Bush signed after Enron, which makes it a crime to commit fraud against investors. Sarbanes-Oxley. So, there’s some laws out there. Based on what the Justice Department person said during the interview tonight, they are trying and are focused on bringing forth cases that can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This is the criminal burden of proof – much lower than a civil standard of preponderance of the evidence. It’s tough.
Ah, I see. Thanks very much, vero.
Yes, prosecutors want to win these cases. What’s worse? seeing no one charged or watching them get off based on a technicality?
I hope so too. Newt and Romney on their own stand no chance, so you are right that the 3rd party attacks will be fierce.
I agree. A fair question. It does take years for these things but it is frustrating that there are THOUSANDS of smaller white collar crimes being prosecuted every day and the big guys have escaped to date. With a concentrated effort the Justice Dept would be able to successfully prosecute the bank guys who were at the top in 2007.
You can check out this blog to see the extent of mortgage fraud prosecution that’s going on right now and see that most of the fraud occurred in 2003-2008. The link shows what they’ve prosecuted in the past 3 days:
http://mortgagefraudblog.com/component/k2/itemlist/date/2011/12
Thanks.
🙄 Of course they will attach the Obama administration to to all of this. More election year drama. They are trying desperately to find something on PBO that is sinister and corrupt to BLOW up the election. SIGH!!!
BLAME OBAMA FIRST
What Steve Kroft is asking is why is it taking President Obama so long to prosecute the banks and CEO’S responsible for the financial meltdown created during the Bush administration. The Peoplesview answered the question about why President Obama just can’t frog march all of the CEO’s to jail. Bottom line, what was happening during the Bush administration amounted to LEGALIZED GAMBLING. Steve Kroft and many others criticizing President Obama seem to think he has some magic wand that he is not using effectively.
Just imagine if Steve Kroft had spent this amount of time investigating the Bush administration and asking them the tough questions about no regulations and no oversight. Better yet, I would love to see Steve Kroft devote an hour of 60 Minutes explaining to the American people that after the financial meltdown, the Republican Party is actively blocking the implementation of DODD-FRANK. That’s right, the financial reform legislation that passed because of President Obama and the Democrats. I guess this just does not fit the negative narrative that Steve Kroft wanted to present tonight.
Why won’t he perpwalk them!!!
http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2011/10/why-wont-he-perpwalk-them.html
imho, Steve Croft and most of CBS does a fairly good job of asking important questions in their 60 minutes stories. And the question, “why none of the top guys at all these banks —that lost BILLIONS –have not yet been prosecuted 3 years later?” is a critical question for all Americans. CBS was asking good questions about WMD and other Bush fiascos too during the Bush administration, albeit late (like this question coming up 3 years later). Under regulations in 2003-2008 some of it was legalized gambling such as the crazy terms of the underwriting standards that were accepted by the investors. But falsifying a financial report to an investor is a crime – was a crime even back then. No doubt the Repugs trying to block Dodd Frank (most of it has already been implemented by now anyway) is a question but for sure would be less important than the question related to the crimes that cost the taxpayers and caused the housing crisis completely crippling the world economy. I think the Justice Dept can/should prosecute some of these guys soon.
I lost all my support for kroft after the rude interview he did with POTUS, soft balled questions to norquest when POTUS had been nice enough to give him access to his family during POTUS run for the presidency. So no cred in my opinion.
You and me both Zulu…
And this idea that Steve Kroft is being and asking ‘reasonable’ questions is bullocks…
Steve Kroft will be just as quick to jump on the bandwagon bashing President Obama about antagonizing the bank executives who can make or break the economy…the ‘job creators’…
Steve Kroft ought to go back to the basics and begin to ask the very simple questions of the GOP obstructionists in government and business…why are you determined to destroy our country and democracy…
Until Steve Kroft and the rest of the so-called ‘credible’ media ask and demand questions to this most glaring and singularly important question, I find them no more useful, well-meaning or credible than Herman Cain as a candidate for president of the U.S…
Did any of them quote the specific charges they think should have already been filed, and the evidence that would be used to try these cases? I’m sure there is work going on to bring these people to justice, if possible – since the President has often talked about this being a nation of laws. However, he’s also mentioned that a lot of what these bankers did was legal under the laws at the time, and that a lot of that was addressed under Dodd-Frank, even though several of the control measures were stripped out during the process. If Steve Kroft can’t list the broken laws that are going unpunished, then I find it hard to stomach him asking why it’s taking so long to prosecute, while I haven’t heard him asking Bachmann and the rest of the GOP why they’re so intent on repealing Dodd-Frank or de-funding implementation of those regulations or confirming the President’s nominee to be Director of the CFPA. i.e. Go after the stuff we can actually do something about.
What an exceptionally gorgeous couple! And what a wonderful website! Thank you Chipsticks for sharing these two precious leaders with their supporters, especially those of us outside the USA.
I was in Trinidad for the past four days and was unable to do my daily lurking. I was also unable to communicate with socasweet. I hope she is doing well.
But, I was thrilled to discover that the top educators from the sixteen Caribbean countries represented at the symposium were all President Obama’s supporters. These were deans of universities, principals of high schools and top government officials. There were constant references to President Obama’s speeches. It reminded me of Sir Paul McCartney’s assuring words to PBO that there were billions of people around the world who have his back.
Thank you for sharing that PWFObama and glad you had a safe trip…
Your first post a while back was one of the loveliest and most reassuring I’ve read in a long time…
We all continue to keep this magnificent President and his family in our prayers…
Wow! How lovely they are, our President and First Lady! Wow!
SWOON. {{{{Opening all windows}}}}
🙂
Ok that Picture is VERY distractive. I Am sorry am about to go the the dark side yet I promised to behave myself.
Deep breath M4O, deep breath 😆
OOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMGGGGGGG Michelle The Beautiful. This is simply THE BEST HOT COUPLE ON THE PLANET. 🙂
When I look at Michelle Obama’s evening gowns and her wardrobe overall, I think, “Jackie who?” No one and I mean no other FLOTUS can touch Michelle when it comes to fashion. There are other areas where Michelle excels and they are no less important but her clothes? – Can’t touch this!
AGREED. Jackie was a First Lady who brought both simplicity of style and haute couture to the White House. Mrs. O brings something very different. She has a lot of personality in her fashion choices and is not a slave to any one designer. Very eclectic, very unique style. Always beautiful and at ease with her choices. Simply beautiful.
I love that FLOTUS is not the stepford wife who only stands behind POTUS dressed in a
Chanel suit and pearls. I have nothing against Chanel suits and pearls, but she is so diverse in what she wears. 🙂
Since Tweerty is so obssessed with JFK, I wonder if he was therer? I am sure he will be at the other honors event.
I just watched the JFK young years last night online streaming on Netflix. When watching it I noticed how much of a womanizer he was in college and later. I think about the secret meetings with women we did not know about and think of PBO and his faithfulness to his wife. I then think of Chris Matthews excusing it away as being romantic and wonder about his definition of romantic. I think of PBO as being romantic in that he loves his wife and is faithful to her.
No disrespect to any other First Lady, but I chose Michelle Obama. I think the world of her. She is the only First Lady that I have follow like this. I want to know where she will be speaking, will we be able to hear it. I just love her realness. If that is a world .
Do you think that some of the celebrities feel a kind of wee-bit jealousy WHEN they are totally overshadowed by the glamor of the First couple????
Part 2:
OMG!!! Our First Lady looks especially gorgeous. What a dress!! And what a beautiful, happy couple. God bless their sweet hearts. @>—-
Jon Huntsman failed to qualify to take part in the Dec. 10th Iowa debate – to qualify he needed to poll at or above 5% in one national poll or at or above 5% in a Des Moines Register poll between Oct 1st and Dec 5th and he failed to do either. He’s selling it as he’s choosing not to take part, choosing to hold a townhall in NH instead, but if that is the case he’ll have to choose to skip the Fox Iowa debate a mere five days later on the 15th or explain why he snubbed Des Moines and ABC but not Ames and Fox five days later.
With Cain out and Huntsman not qualifying this isn’t good news for Newt Gingrich as all others taking part will be after him. Romney, Santorum, Perry, Bachmann, Paul all benefit most from taking Gingrich down. Huntsman OTOH benefits from a strong Gingrich, as it makes Romney look less than a shoo-in, and Mitt’s inability to close has folks giving Huntsman a look. If Newt fades, Mitt is the inevitable candidate again and Huntsman doesn’t have a chance. With Cain, he and Newt seemed to be friendly with each other, so Cain in the very least would have ate up debate time when he got his share of questions.
Is that the ION cable debate that Donald Trump is moderating?
No, that one is after Christmas sometime.
Chips, time for you to go to your “storage” place and warm up the naughty mat!!! it may soon have some occupant who are now patiently looking up the book of manners that their Mamas gave them!!!!
Just got a new supply Linda – just in time!
thanks Chips. I am reserving one for myself because I may need to go to confession very soon due to my naughty trend of thoughts!
😯
This is funny Chip…
This Catholic knows recognizes the confessional too well…
Lately I’ve been needing it more than ever to help squelch the anger I feel these days at the madness and those who try to justify it all away…
Forgive me if it sometimes spills over here…I just don’t know how to ignore falsehoods no matter how sneakily packaged or turn a blind eye to saboteurs masquerading as well-meaning participants…
Ah Chi, never ever apologize for sharing your thoughts, I appreciate every ounce of your passion. It’s probably just as well that I’m an extremely lapsed Catholic, otherwise I’d spend half my life in the confessional …. you are completely placid and rational, I’m a volcano on the verge of erupting most of the time.
I know that 99% of the people here are the very, very best, but – like OWS – I’m keeping an eye on the 1%. I promise you, I won’t let them drag us down 😉
Chips thanks for the videos. I was so worried that I missed this important event. What a couple we have in the white house! PBO cracked me up with his speech. Michelle is so stunning I have no words to express how I feel. Sigh
No problem M40, hopefully the White House version will be up soon, will replace my grainy videos with it when it appears!
Found this—
As most of the political world’s attention is captured by the circus of the Republican presidential primary, Barack Obama’s campaign has been assiduously reactivating the formidable infrastructure that helped drive him to victory four years ago.
Obama and the Democratic Party have been pouring organizing resources into battleground states such as Nevada, recruiting volunteers, building social networks, holding outreach events and registering voters.
That same machine will be used to identify and turn out supporters next November.
And the bad news for Republicans, who have largely skipped Nevada in their primary contest, is Obama doesn’t have much work to do to rejuvenate an organization he has been maintaining since he won the state by 12 points four years ago.
“The organizing efforts actually have been pretty good and pretty consistent for a couple of years in Nevada,” said Chip Evans, former chairman of the Washoe County Democratic Party, a key swing county in Nevada. “To some extent, they’ve expanded the Democratic base of activists beyond the typical folks we’ve usually seen.”
http://m.lvsun.com/news/2011/nov/27/quietly-obama-getting-reorganized-nevada/
And thanks for the wonderful pictures chips–
Hi everyone, new post here:
http://theobamadiary.com/2011/12/04/guests-of-honor-2/
A little OT, but I saw an article referencing PBO’s visit to KS on Tuesdayon the previous hread but it did not have a video. Here’s a video and local report on the visit.
http://www.kctv5.com/story/16183828/excited-fans-line-up-to-get-tickets-for-obamas-speech
Gracias.
White House officials say they will pressure Republican lawmakers from seven states ahead of this week’s expected Senate vote on the confirmation of Richard Cordray to head the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
In a conference call with reporters, aides said the White House will use briefings and interviews with local journalists and statements from local elected officials to try persuading GOP senators to back Cordray in a vote they said could occur Thursday. The seven states – Alaska, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Nevada, Tennessee and Utah – all have Republican senators that the White House is hoping to win over.
http://m.miamiherald.com/mh/db_42944/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=3YIIF7sB
Hi PrayerWarrior,
Tried my utmost to contact you. Called the hotel Wednesday night to leave my contact information but they said they could not accept the message without my knowing your name. Then I contacted a friend in the Ministry of Education who said that she would check for your name on their list. Unfortunately, she said that there were four women from Montserrat and she could not give me all the names for me to try to find you. She said that if there was only one female representative she would have given me the name. Finally I tried on Saturday. Happened to know the young lady at the hotel front desk – a friend of one of my sons. I actually gave her my blog name to try to catch you if she happened to do your checkout. However I never got a call from her. Hope we get another chance to meet.
Our First Couple looks STUNNING 🙂
Now just picture Newt and Calista walking down that same corridor. (YOU picture it, because I can’t.)
Where are the pix of POTUS and FLOTUS with the honorees?
The photo of them coming down the hall amongst the multiple Christmas trees is just such a joyous pic. They’re both beautiful- more than just made up Hollywood glamor or ‘rehearsed political couples poses’. These are two genuinely beautiful people.
^^^I’m talking specifically about the pic where FLOTUS shoe is showing and the chandelier is directly above the couple.
I just got home.. and what do you know but I’ve missed all the live stuff.. thank heaven for you Chips & your videos.. and OMG that DRESS is sooo beautiful.. our First Lady must have every designer in the universe clamoring to ‘dress’ her.. she is unquestionably the most stunning first lady ever. I love this color on her.. it is very difficult anymore to choose a ‘favorite’ First Lady dress… they’re all so amazing on her.
SHE LOOKS AMAZING!! I LOVE MY FIRST LADY!
FIREFLY, welcome to the club.