The President played hoops with Sasha and Malia and a bunch of their friends this morning at the Department of the Interior, according to a pool report. The first family is spending the rest of this chilly Sunday in Washington at the White House.
Sorry that you feel under the weather and hope you get better but dude, golf is crap. I can’t believe that lazily swinging a ball into a hole is called a sport and people earn millions and get endorsement deals. Fer cryin’ out loud.
As they say, pun intended, “Different strokes for different folks.” Augusta National and Pebble Beach, where the tour is today, are two of the most beautiful, awe inspiring venues in all of sport.
Oh man, I love golf … don’t play (I like to drive the golf carts with my wine in the back) but it is a genteel game, incredible strategies and control, the loveliest of surroundings .. being outside in fresh air on beautifully landscaped courses .. as a woman, these are the things I appreciate in this game plus the demeanor of the players and the organizers of golf tournaments. I support my two golfers (hubby and son) immensely and was so happy we go to go to St. Andrews in Scotland for the British Open year before last.
Hope you feel better soon. My guys (hubby and son) are watching golf also … at Pebble Beach? Well they are not at Pebble Beach, they are upstairs in the man cave with the fridge and fireplace, but the golf is at Pebble Beach. As a good wife and supporter of their golf addiction, I try to stay in the know.
Watching golf. No, no, no. I am going to watch POTUS favorite NBA basketball team play , the Chicago Bulls play the Boston Celtics. Go Bulls. The Bulls were my team during the Michael Jordon era.
Since thinking about Clint Eastwood I watched one of my favorites he did last night Gran Torino. I may try to watch Preacher’s Wife and Body Guard with Whitney Houston soon too. So sad we lost her at such a young age.
And, on another tack, whose quote is this: “White man can’t jump”, which sprang immediately to my mind when I saw this photograph.
Hey, LL – I’m in your timezone now, As usual, quite a shock (I spent Saturday from 6 am CET to 8 pm PST traveing) – but now, as every year around Valentine’s Day, I’m in Vegas again.
(This has nothing to do with VD, btw, it’s just the regularly scheduled winter meeting of Fortran’s Standardization Committee – j3-fortran.org).
In principle, this means I could have watched the Sunday morning talk shows; however, I skipped it in favor of taking a good shower 🙂
You skipped a chance to be informed by the ‘movers & shakers’ of American politics to take a shower? Shame on you Toon! You probably won’t get another opportunity until next year when they’ll all be obsolete (Lord, I hope! so ) .;) 🙂
LL hope you are feeling your best soon. I think your sinuses are kicking butt. Mine as well. Drink lost of water. I am on an antibiotic. If you start to get a green discharge and you feel like you have a toothache, time to see your ENT.
Mary Jones, I know what you mean, I see FLOTUS dancing and I start trying to dance too. I want to start off slow, but I want to start. I will not be trying push ups right now.
Wow – loved reading those comments. They really put some thought into it, and it’s also nice to see things from the point of view of professed Republicans. Where did this kind of sanity go in the current incarnation of the Republican party?
Thanks, Gov Dayton. Have to say, he wasn’t my first choice of the Dems originally in the race; however, did support him once he was the candidate and think he’s been doing a great job in the Gov office…
Glad to be in MN (even if we have to be embarrassed by the likes of the lunatic MB from the 6th)
Funny you should say that jojothecat, I was wondering that myself. Definatly need the naughty mat (and a cold shower) right away!!! He looks SOOOOOOOOO sexy in that shot. Must cool down!!
Man guys, there is not a lot that distracts me from politics or my POTUS/FLOTUS/WeeMichelle love feast, but this Whitney Houston passing has me thrown for a loop. I’m having a hard time focusing on politics. Thank T.O.D. for keeping the information going and out there. I know I can count on Chips and the commenters. to keep me abreast of all the going on that I may miss. I know people have been posting on since yesterday, but damn ya’ll
I know what you mean. Her death hit me hard that I could not sleep last night. She is eight yrs older than me. Such a young life. I have been watching her video’s since I heard the news. I feel really bad for Bobbi Kristina.
lamh35, I’m feelin’ ya. I know there may be some who don’t understand, but that’s okay…
Whitney, born in August 1963, was only a 1/2 year younger than Michelle Obama, born in Jan 1964. THAT has tripped me out!!
As both WRNB-FM & WDAS-FM in Philadelphia have had Whitney in heavy rotation since Saturday. I have marveled at how many songs I hadn’t heard in a while. But even more amazed that I remember every word.
Shooop, shoop, shooop shoop be doop. shooop. Say shooooby….. Is it possible to cry and smile at the same time?
I hear ya. I too don’t often get distracted from our first family and all that’s happening with “2012” but the news of Whitney’s passing has struck me a hard blow. I used to work in the music industry and Whitney feels like family. Praying for Cissy, Bobbi Kristina and the entire Houston family.
President Obama is such in great shape, he loves the sport…..I laughed when I saw that old clip yesterday….one of those COOL/NOT COOL segment on Letterman.
Alright guys, get your tissues ready, I’m reading on twitter that JHud who’s performing the GRAMMY tribute was getting way emotional during the rehearsal for the tribute. If JHud gets through the performance I’ll just be relieved. If JHud cries, then shucks I’ma have to start crying too!
We will pray that JH will make it through it all. This is very fresh for all of us who loved the beautiful voice of a beautiful woman with a beautiful 18 year old daughter left behind. Plus a loving mother and other family members who have to put this all together in honoring Ms. Whitney Houston, her life, her fans, and those of us who loved this beautiful God given gift of a voice.
I am so much in pain for our loss of a great singer. I love music, and I studied voice in high school and went on to college and did the same. I grew up listening to so much great music and performing some of the best,,and I found one major beautiful thing about music, it is a powerful gift to be given and then to share with others. So, many of us are torn tonight with heavy hearts because Whitney Houston left us so early and now her powerful gift is gone with her, but we will have our memories in the music she left us.
However, I believe that we will move with our emotions in a direction that is healthly, heartfelt, moving, loving, tearful, and respectful of each other’s emotions at this time. That is all we can do for each other. This is fresh. My heart has been beating overtime with so many emotions, but I try to play the music(that fits for my emotions for now) my sibling, who loves music as well made a call to me after texting me several times this morning, and we have a faith that we can share together to keep each other going, especially since I am much older than my sibling. We just hold on to our family, friends, play her music, if you can take it, enjoy the gift, and say a prayer for Jennifer Hudson and All who will be in attendance tonight.
We have so much to sort out, but we will get through this because we have each other. This is who we are, the TOD Family who is here to hold up a President who is going through hell with the opposition of hellish thinking people, so we are strong, made to be strong together, and we will get through this also. Let us just try to send good positive, meditative thoughts for each other and respectfulness for a life who left our space much too soon. Music will bind us together, especially such a great voice like Ms. Houston.HZ
Standby for MAJOR WATER WORKS at the Grammys tonite. Her passing is too fresh in the mind and the msm ain’t gonna let no one put it aside until the results of the autopsy.
Based on some reports I’m hearing …something doesn’t quite seem right with the circumstances surrounding that death. I don’t want to hijack this beautiful thread but some stuff does NOT add up. Anyway it’s still very early, so I will take a wait-and-see approach. More details will be coming in and discrepancies will hopefully be sorted out.
I agree with you hopefruit2, I saw the pictures that were taken of her a few nights before she passed. Some of the people around her looked shady to me and the blood on her leg. Since I am in Los Angeles, our local news interviewed the guy who took the camera phone pictures that night and he said she just seemed happy and how it was very hot and crowded at the party.
I’m guessing FLOTUS is back home after another successful trip. Once again she shine like a shining star and when campaign time comes she will be very valuable to the campaign. And the Republicans know that too.
It’s good for the markets, it’s bad for the Greek people. Austerity is a disaster. The reason Europe can’t recover while here we’re on our way, is because PBO refused to take the austerity road as they did in Europe. But for Greece to get the bailout, they were forced to do this. And who’ll pay the price? The people Mitt Romney isn’t concerned with.
Not sure if this was part of the deal that was passed today, but the Eurozone ministers are putting another condition on the Greek govt: they have to lower the minimum wage. What that has to do with the deficit I have no idea.
More right wing nonsense. The rich fat cats who escaped with their millionaire yachts are sunning themselves on some beach, leaving the working people to pay the whole of the bill. That’s not to say that some of the Greek working people weren’t also irresponsible in the last few decades, but the burden of paying the bill should be shared equally. Instead, Goldman Sachs and their rich Greek cohorts walk away without paying any penalty. The whole situation is a modern day Greek tragedy.
While the Greeks are doing what they do, we still have to concern ourselves with our pesky problem. Found the following site that helps define that problem: http://toomuchonline.org/
Bwd is correct essentially, but the alternative is much worse for us…we are glad it passed, but know we have a long hard road ahead…I’m an American married to a Greek and have lived here for 22 years…long time lurker from the Kos to BWD to TOD journey…I love this blog and wait for BWD return too…we are a part of the tax paying small business community in Greece…which are the bulk of the ecomomy…contrary to what you may read in the WSJ et.al., and have practically been destroyed in the past 2 years…austerity is an unmitigated disaster for private business first…followed by public sector(which is much too large and powerful in greece)…unions on steriods are equally devastating to a vibrant econony…unions in america don’t have enough power IMO but finding the right balance is the key…anyway, thanks for caring about us…it has been quite a day here and we will wake up to the devastation of our beautiful citycenter…hope the daylight will show it is not as bad as the dark portrayed it…I am not a religious person, but pray for us…thanks
Hmm.. well if they’ve passed the austerity vote, I would guess that would be among the first steps of the bail out deal they accepted earlier in the week. If it’s in regards to the bail out deal, then it’s a good thing – of course we have to take into account the riots in the streets against the vote – because it means that they are at least on their way to curbing the hemorrhaging.
It’s good in that now Greece should get the second bailout and won’t default on its loans and bring the euro crashing down. But the Greek people are screwed. This is not a growth package. Unless the Greek economy grows, it’ll just go through this again in a year.
Important point – this is not a growth strategy. It only sorts out the uncertainty for the banks in the short term, but it’s going to be really ugly for the Greek working people, especially since their economy is going to continue shrinking.
ATHENS (Reuters) – The Greek parliament approved a deeply unpopular austerity bill to secure a second EU/IMF bailout and avoid national bankruptcy, as buildings burned across central Athens and violence spread around the country.
Cinemas, cafes, shops and banks were set ablaze in central Athens as black-masked protesters fought riot police outside parliament.
State television reported the violence spread to the tourist islands of Corfu and Crete, the northern city of Thessaloniki and towns in central Greece. Shops were looted in the capital where police said 34 buildings were ablaze.
What a great article – even though Sully seems to be another one who doesn’t know how insurance works, and that the employers never write checks to providers for health care. But then that’s what the President was counting on.
I especially love, “Obama’s greatest skill is in getting his opponents to overreach and self-destruct.” HAAAAAAAAAA! 😀 😀 😀
Tally, did you see this article I posted yesterday? It’s another similar analysis about the Republican Party underestimating President Obama and playing right into his hands. A fascinating read.
Politics And Poker: Why The GOP Keeps Getting Backed Into Corners
I’ll be watching. Cannot miss JHud singing in honor or Ms. Whitney. Thought I’d share this video from the 1998 American Music Awards. Phenomenal gospel performance by Whitney, her Mom Cissy and her half brother Gary Houston. Apologies if someone else has posted already. What a talented family!
The Obama administration signaled that it is stepping up pressure on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to provide mortgage-principal reductions for holders of government-backed loans, a move strongly supported by congressional Democrats.
Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan said Thursday that the administration is considering taking “additional steps to make mortgage principal reductions available to Fannie and Freddie homeowners,” that go beyond recently announced incentives designed to spur a write-down of those home loans to bolster the housing market and economic recovery.
Dr. Jill Biden @DrJillBiden
Joe wants to know if they had Jack Black present because it’s Black History Month? #Grammys
8:58 PM – 12 Feb 12 via web · Details
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Obama White House.gov
The Obama Diary 
There’s nothing quite like watching golf on a Sunday afternoon when you feel under the weather.
Congrats on FIRST LL!
Rest up and hope you feel better soon.
Sorry that you feel under the weather and hope you get better but dude, golf is crap. I can’t believe that lazily swinging a ball into a hole is called a sport and people earn millions and get endorsement deals. Fer cryin’ out loud.
As they say, pun intended, “Different strokes for different folks.” Augusta National and Pebble Beach, where the tour is today, are two of the most beautiful, awe inspiring venues in all of sport.
Oh man, I love golf … don’t play (I like to drive the golf carts with my wine in the back) but it is a genteel game, incredible strategies and control, the loveliest of surroundings .. being outside in fresh air on beautifully landscaped courses .. as a woman, these are the things I appreciate in this game plus the demeanor of the players and the organizers of golf tournaments. I support my two golfers (hubby and son) immensely and was so happy we go to go to St. Andrews in Scotland for the British Open year before last.
So sorry you’re under the weather LL….hope you’re feeling better soon. Have a wonderful afternoon TOD family.
Hope you feel better soon. My guys (hubby and son) are watching golf also … at Pebble Beach? Well they are not at Pebble Beach, they are upstairs in the man cave with the fridge and fireplace, but the golf is at Pebble Beach. As a good wife and supporter of their golf addiction, I try to stay in the know.
Watching golf. No, no, no. I am going to watch POTUS favorite NBA basketball team play , the Chicago Bulls play the Boston Celtics. Go Bulls. The Bulls were my team during the Michael Jordon era.
Wishing you well LL, sorry to hear that you are feeling ill, rest and take care.
((((hugs)))) to you.
Hey, Clint Eastwood is there.Think they will ask him about his “controversial” ad? No, golf is too classy! And golf is golf!
I think he already did that ….He said ” Cut the Spending” ….
Since thinking about Clint Eastwood I watched one of my favorites he did last night Gran Torino. I may try to watch Preacher’s Wife and Body Guard with Whitney Houston soon too. So sad we lost her at such a young age.
I hope you feel better soon, LL.
Golf – it’s sooo quieting when your sleepy.
And, on another tack, whose quote is this: “White man can’t jump”, which sprang immediately to my mind when I saw this photograph.
Hey, LL – I’m in your timezone now, As usual, quite a shock (I spent Saturday from 6 am CET to 8 pm PST traveing) – but now, as every year around Valentine’s Day, I’m in Vegas again.
(This has nothing to do with VD, btw, it’s just the regularly scheduled winter meeting of Fortran’s Standardization Committee – j3-fortran.org).
In principle, this means I could have watched the Sunday morning talk shows; however, I skipped it in favor of taking a good shower 🙂
You skipped a chance to be informed by the ‘movers & shakers’ of American politics to take a shower? Shame on you Toon! You probably won’t get another opportunity until next year when they’ll all be obsolete (Lord, I hope! so ) .;) 🙂
LL hope you are feeling your best soon. I think your sinuses are kicking butt. Mine as well. Drink lost of water. I am on an antibiotic. If you start to get a green discharge and you feel like you have a toothache, time to see your ENT.
LL, hope that you will soon feel better and doing those things you like best. Keep calm and try to relax while your body is on the mends.HZ
Thank you Chips . . .
A nice picture for Sunday afternoon. I think these Obamas are going to inspire even me to get up and get moving again! And am I first?
Me too; just got back from a walk – convinced hubby to go out… Guess we have to start somewhere!
Mary Jones, I know what you mean, I see FLOTUS dancing and I start trying to dance too. I want to start off slow, but I want to start. I will not be trying push ups right now.
AM HAPPY OUR FIRST FAMILY HAS THE WEEKENDS TO GET AWAY FROM THE DC CESSPOOL! ENJOY THE DAY MR. PRESIDENT!
Wait, wait, Romney is just changing into his baggy shorts to go outside and shoot hoops. He’s hoping to get a pic taken of him at a “sexy” angle.
LOL
Yeah. I hear he’s calling it the “severely sexy” angle.
Ha ha ha.
lol…he really is pathetic!
LOL, but when I first read what you wrote I thought it said “baby shorts” I need my eyes checked.
Check out these guys commentary on Willard (I mean the comment section)
http://www.republicansforobama.org/node/9863
Wow – loved reading those comments. They really put some thought into it, and it’s also nice to see things from the point of view of professed Republicans. Where did this kind of sanity go in the current incarnation of the Republican party?
hey check it out the governor of my state Gov. Dayton is taking a switch to the Repubs! I tweeted him and the DFL some love.
http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/mn-governor-vetoes-alec-dictated-tort
Thanks, Gov Dayton. Have to say, he wasn’t my first choice of the Dems originally in the race; however, did support him once he was the candidate and think he’s been doing a great job in the Gov office…
Glad to be in MN (even if we have to be embarrassed by the likes of the lunatic MB from the 6th)
WOW, CHICA… 😯 DAMN.
Why didn’t you just post a picture of the naughty mat right after you posted my President going up for a jump shot?
(Sorry, Michelle. Whhhheeeeeeewwweeeeeeee! DAMN! )
I don’t think a mat is gonna help you chile. Better try a tub-o-ice. 😆
ROFLMAO! perhaps more like a truck-o-ice.
Whatever floats the boat as long as it cools the hull!
Cocoa Butter??
Oh hell and champaigne for the bucket-o-ice. 😀
Yardarm,
GOT PLANS? 😎
You nasty rascal. Whip it! :-p
Got jars of it, Desertflower. On the way.HZ
I know isonprize….everytime Chips uses this picture I wonder if the Commander-in-Chief has gone “commando”. Ok, ok, I off to the naughty mat.
Funny you should say that jojothecat, I was wondering that myself. Definatly need the naughty mat (and a cold shower) right away!!! He looks SOOOOOOOOO sexy in that shot. Must cool down!!
Jojo. DAMN.
Drool isn’t good for my computer keyboard. 😉
Man guys, there is not a lot that distracts me from politics or my POTUS/FLOTUS/WeeMichelle love feast, but this Whitney Houston passing has me thrown for a loop. I’m having a hard time focusing on politics. Thank T.O.D. for keeping the information going and out there. I know I can count on Chips and the commenters. to keep me abreast of all the going on that I may miss. I know people have been posting on since yesterday, but damn ya’ll
I know what you mean. Her death hit me hard that I could not sleep last night. She is eight yrs older than me. Such a young life. I have been watching her video’s since I heard the news. I feel really bad for Bobbi Kristina.
lamh35, I’m feelin’ ya. I know there may be some who don’t understand, but that’s okay…
Whitney, born in August 1963, was only a 1/2 year younger than Michelle Obama, born in Jan 1964. THAT has tripped me out!!
As both WRNB-FM & WDAS-FM in Philadelphia have had Whitney in heavy rotation since Saturday. I have marveled at how many songs I hadn’t heard in a while. But even more amazed that I remember every word.
Shooop, shoop, shooop shoop be doop. shooop. Say shooooby….. Is it possible to cry and smile at the same time?
I hear ya. I too don’t often get distracted from our first family and all that’s happening with “2012” but the news of Whitney’s passing has struck me a hard blow. I used to work in the music industry and Whitney feels like family. Praying for Cissy, Bobbi Kristina and the entire Houston family.
President Obama is such in great shape, he loves the sport…..I laughed when I saw that old clip yesterday….one of those COOL/NOT COOL segment on Letterman.
Thanks Christie, I have never seen the Letterman version of the two together. That is great.
Love that!
TOO funny!! 😀
Alright guys, get your tissues ready, I’m reading on twitter that JHud who’s performing the GRAMMY tribute was getting way emotional during the rehearsal for the tribute. If JHud gets through the performance I’ll just be relieved. If JHud cries, then shucks I’ma have to start crying too!
Jennifer Hudson Breaks Down During Whitney Houston Tribute Grammys Rehearsal
It’s too soon; I understand the desire, but maybe you just do it and don’t worry about rehearsal…. just a thought.
I see a scenario where JHud sings it and if/when she falters the audience will pick up the slack! I just bet that’s will happen
We must aiso remember that J HUD lost some family members not too long ago thru violence. This whole thing could be too much drama for her.
We will pray that JH will make it through it all. This is very fresh for all of us who loved the beautiful voice of a beautiful woman with a beautiful 18 year old daughter left behind. Plus a loving mother and other family members who have to put this all together in honoring Ms. Whitney Houston, her life, her fans, and those of us who loved this beautiful God given gift of a voice.
I am so much in pain for our loss of a great singer. I love music, and I studied voice in high school and went on to college and did the same. I grew up listening to so much great music and performing some of the best,,and I found one major beautiful thing about music, it is a powerful gift to be given and then to share with others. So, many of us are torn tonight with heavy hearts because Whitney Houston left us so early and now her powerful gift is gone with her, but we will have our memories in the music she left us.
However, I believe that we will move with our emotions in a direction that is healthly, heartfelt, moving, loving, tearful, and respectful of each other’s emotions at this time. That is all we can do for each other. This is fresh. My heart has been beating overtime with so many emotions, but I try to play the music(that fits for my emotions for now) my sibling, who loves music as well made a call to me after texting me several times this morning, and we have a faith that we can share together to keep each other going, especially since I am much older than my sibling. We just hold on to our family, friends, play her music, if you can take it, enjoy the gift, and say a prayer for Jennifer Hudson and All who will be in attendance tonight.
We have so much to sort out, but we will get through this because we have each other. This is who we are, the TOD Family who is here to hold up a President who is going through hell with the opposition of hellish thinking people, so we are strong, made to be strong together, and we will get through this also. Let us just try to send good positive, meditative thoughts for each other and respectfulness for a life who left our space much too soon. Music will bind us together, especially such a great voice like Ms. Houston.HZ
I thank GOD for your good spirit. The peace of the Almighty rest and abide with you and yours.
NBC also has a special “Dateline” tribute to Whitney Houston at 7PM ET.
Standby for MAJOR WATER WORKS at the Grammys tonite. Her passing is too fresh in the mind and the msm ain’t gonna let no one put it aside until the results of the autopsy.
Based on some reports I’m hearing …something doesn’t quite seem right with the circumstances surrounding that death. I don’t want to hijack this beautiful thread but some stuff does NOT add up. Anyway it’s still very early, so I will take a wait-and-see approach. More details will be coming in and discrepancies will hopefully be sorted out.
My response is, So what? She’s gone and it’s a terrible lost. Anything after that is only gonna be used to increase somebodys cash flow.
True.
I agree with you hopefruit2, I saw the pictures that were taken of her a few nights before she passed. Some of the people around her looked shady to me and the blood on her leg. Since I am in Los Angeles, our local news interviewed the guy who took the camera phone pictures that night and he said she just seemed happy and how it was very hot and crowded at the party.
A PROGRESSIVE MISSION STATEMENT: POSITIVE GOALS TO MOVE PROGRESSIVES FORWARD
ByMilt Shook
http://pleasecutthecrap.typepad.com/main/a-progressive-mission-statement-positive-goals-to-move-progressives-forward.html
I love to hear the President spending time with his daughters. I read that he went to see Sasha and her team play Saturday morning.
I’m guessing FLOTUS is back home after another successful trip. Once again she shine like a shining star and when campaign time comes she will be very valuable to the campaign. And the Republicans know that too.
Can someone explain if this is good or bad, Greek passes austerity vote. Jovie?
It is good.
It’s good for the markets, it’s bad for the Greek people. Austerity is a disaster. The reason Europe can’t recover while here we’re on our way, is because PBO refused to take the austerity road as they did in Europe. But for Greece to get the bailout, they were forced to do this. And who’ll pay the price? The people Mitt Romney isn’t concerned with.
Thank you, guys!!
Thanks BWD for giving us a more nuanced picture of what this entails 🙂
Not sure if this was part of the deal that was passed today, but the Eurozone ministers are putting another condition on the Greek govt: they have to lower the minimum wage. What that has to do with the deficit I have no idea.
No wonder Athens is burning! The country screwed up and the “little people” get screwed. Again.
More right wing nonsense. The rich fat cats who escaped with their millionaire yachts are sunning themselves on some beach, leaving the working people to pay the whole of the bill. That’s not to say that some of the Greek working people weren’t also irresponsible in the last few decades, but the burden of paying the bill should be shared equally. Instead, Goldman Sachs and their rich Greek cohorts walk away without paying any penalty. The whole situation is a modern day Greek tragedy.
While the Greeks are doing what they do, we still have to concern ourselves with our pesky problem. Found the following site that helps define that problem: http://toomuchonline.org/
Bwd is correct essentially, but the alternative is much worse for us…we are glad it passed, but know we have a long hard road ahead…I’m an American married to a Greek and have lived here for 22 years…long time lurker from the Kos to BWD to TOD journey…I love this blog and wait for BWD return too…we are a part of the tax paying small business community in Greece…which are the bulk of the ecomomy…contrary to what you may read in the WSJ et.al., and have practically been destroyed in the past 2 years…austerity is an unmitigated disaster for private business first…followed by public sector(which is much too large and powerful in greece)…unions on steriods are equally devastating to a vibrant econony…unions in america don’t have enough power IMO but finding the right balance is the key…anyway, thanks for caring about us…it has been quite a day here and we will wake up to the devastation of our beautiful citycenter…hope the daylight will show it is not as bad as the dark portrayed it…I am not a religious person, but pray for us…thanks
You are in our prayers Mimi…
Thanks for sharing from the perspective of one who lives and will be impacted by the decisions made by the Eurozone leaders…
Please post more often…we are all in this together…
The bill is needed for the IMF bailout and to prevent default – so I assume that it’s a good thing.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/12/us-greece-bill-idUSTRE81B0XH20120212
Thanks Hope!!
Hmm.. well if they’ve passed the austerity vote, I would guess that would be among the first steps of the bail out deal they accepted earlier in the week. If it’s in regards to the bail out deal, then it’s a good thing – of course we have to take into account the riots in the streets against the vote – because it means that they are at least on their way to curbing the hemorrhaging.
It’s good in that now Greece should get the second bailout and won’t default on its loans and bring the euro crashing down. But the Greek people are screwed. This is not a growth package. Unless the Greek economy grows, it’ll just go through this again in a year.
Wow, from little bit I read at Reuters, really not good for Greek people. I see why lots of violence in the streets today. Thanks for responding.
Important point – this is not a growth strategy. It only sorts out the uncertainty for the banks in the short term, but it’s going to be really ugly for the Greek working people, especially since their economy is going to continue shrinking.
UT, Hangover will be on shortly!
ATHENS (Reuters) – The Greek parliament approved a deeply unpopular austerity bill to secure a second EU/IMF bailout and avoid national bankruptcy, as buildings burned across central Athens and violence spread around the country.
Cinemas, cafes, shops and banks were set ablaze in central Athens as black-masked protesters fought riot police outside parliament.
State television reported the violence spread to the tourist islands of Corfu and Crete, the northern city of Thessaloniki and towns in central Greece. Shops were looted in the capital where police said 34 buildings were ablaze.
http://mobile.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE8120HI20120212?irpc=932
As Athens burns, the Bailout is now cleared!
The problem with Greece was, they all had retirement packages starting at 55.
The market collapsed, and they went in debt, up to their eyeballs.
Messina in Arizona today. That is important, ahead of next weeks primary. Weust think we can take that State, if our Campaign Manager is there?
AZ is definitely in play, due to the new anti-immigration law. It would be nice if we could add it to our column.
I think we are going to be able to move it into our column. Let’s do everything we can to do just that.HZ
From Andrew Sullivan:
Obama sets a trap……
GOPers jump in……
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/02/12/andrew-sullivan-how-obama-set-a-contraception-trap-for-the-right.html
What a great article – even though Sully seems to be another one who doesn’t know how insurance works, and that the employers never write checks to providers for health care. But then that’s what the President was counting on.
I especially love, “Obama’s greatest skill is in getting his opponents to overreach and self-destruct.” HAAAAAAAAAA! 😀 😀 😀
Tally, did you see this article I posted yesterday? It’s another similar analysis about the Republican Party underestimating President Obama and playing right into his hands. A fascinating read.
Politics And Poker: Why The GOP Keeps Getting Backed Into Corners
http://www.editedforclarity.com/2012/02/09/politics-and-poker-why-the-gop-keeps-getting-backed-into-corners/
anyone gonna watch the grammys? I usually don’t care about em’ but I gotta see what they do for Whitney.
I’ll be watching. Cannot miss JHud singing in honor or Ms. Whitney. Thought I’d share this video from the 1998 American Music Awards. Phenomenal gospel performance by Whitney, her Mom Cissy and her half brother Gary Houston. Apologies if someone else has posted already. What a talented family!
Let’s try that again *technochallenged* sorry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z_EsWkcs5w&w=420&h=315
I had plan on watching for because of the Boss, now its even more special because of Whitney.
A classic :
LOVE THAT.
That’s definitely a keeper!
BAFTAS and The Grammys, AND Everything else that’s on on Sunday nights.
BAH!
I need another DVR.
New post everyone:
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/02/12/a-word-from-tally-8/
The Obama administration signaled that it is stepping up pressure on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to provide mortgage-principal reductions for holders of government-backed loans, a move strongly supported by congressional Democrats.
Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan said Thursday that the administration is considering taking “additional steps to make mortgage principal reductions available to Fannie and Freddie homeowners,” that go beyond recently announced incentives designed to spur a write-down of those home loans to bolster the housing market and economic recovery.
http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/1091-housing/210173-white-house-steps-up-pressure-on-fannie-freddie-on-mortgage-write-downs
But Paul Krugman…
Dr. Jill Biden @DrJillBiden
Joe wants to know if they had Jack Black present because it’s Black History Month? #Grammys
8:58 PM – 12 Feb 12 via web · Details
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I guess I missed the joke….