Thanks, vc! It’s hard to type because the kitty is on my lap and I’m trying to balance the laptop on a pillow while also trying to type. I see we have the same time stamp, so we definitely share the honors!
Jeez, Amk! Have you no tact? No regard for my finer feelings? It’s hard on the sensibilities, …the self-esteem, ….to come so close to the gold medal and have to smile and wish the winner well while keeping the tears at bay. What’s WRONG with you?
.
.
.
Yup, I lost. Clearly. And so close too! Rats! 😉
Alrighty then, Ms Betsy! (Chips, did you see that?) 😆
Are your kids the type that can stretch 1-week’s plans into 1 1/2 weeks or close to two because most work slowly or need their hand held for each step, or there are behaviour issues that slow up everybody? 🙄
VC, I’m here. One step at a time. Still have glitches in iPad. But I’ll start working on them in the morning. At least I can read TOD. That’s the important thing. So much has happened today that I’ve missed.
I won’t even go there when it comes to missing stuff today. I feel like I’m hopping around the village on one leg understanding-wise, instead of my normal one-and-a-half. You probably wouldn’t know this yet, Carolmae, but I absolutely hate when I don’t know everything that has gone on. It makes me feel disconnected. It’s my nosey gene, I guess.
The humming of Chipsticks endeavor has ceased, and we are the beneficiaries of so splendid an effort! Chipsticks, I marvel at your immensity! Thank you! Now I shall watch the video! {{{{{Chipsticks}}}}} 😆
And I was right… Now with all those splendid images and loving faces in my brain, I shall bid you all goodnight. Good Night. {{{{TOD}}}}
I love President Obama.
Hello everyone. Is it just me, or does Rachel Maddow seem to have a huge problem with the Obama Administration? I listened to a few minutes of her show tonight, and everything she talked about was with thinly veiled contempt for the Obama Administration and anyone associated with them. She even criticized the selection of Ticketmaster to sell the tickets, and announced quite sarcastically that all the tickets had been sold – not even pausing for breath to note that in the midst of the ticket chaos, every single ticket was sold within minutes of them being available. She seems to think that every single thing the Obama Administration does is being handled by incompetent, bumbling fools, who are somehow trying to sellout the American people, and that they secretly hate all true Democrats, i.e. the emoprogs. I haven’t listened to Rachel for a while, but jeez, it was really painful to listen to her tonight. If she’s been like this since the election, someone better check her blood pressure.
The thing is, the topics on which she was critical seemed totally unreasonable. I don’t mind criticism, but there’s a point when someone is looking at the situation – every situation – with jaded glasses, and they’ve now become trapped in their own biases, preconceptions and lack of objectivity. There’s nothing wrong with the Obama people picking Ticketmaster – and everyone makes mistakes. I’d rather think about the joy of hearing that the inauguration is so popular that the tickets sold out immediately, and the fact that nearly every hotel is fully booked – and rooms are disappearing by the hour, even at the outrageous rates currently being offered. Her tone when talking about Hagel (and I admit, I tuned out for some of it because she was just on a bender) was so dismissive. Very disappointing – especially when this is a time for celebration.
She has disappointed me with her view on Hagel. I’m really glad to hear bout the tickets, etc being sold so fast. I’ve gotten invites from a couple groups. I didn’t pay attention because I knew I could go. Did request them from my very Repug Senators and congress woman to get under thir skin. 🙂
I’ve never paid attention to how people attend the Inauguration. I thought of it as a parade. Just assumed members of Congress got the good seats and those of President and VP families and maybe major donors, etc. How does the community usually attend? I remember a commentator saying four years ago downtown D.C. attended. Do you need tickets for the parade route too? What about the balls? I think I entered a contest. Wouldn’t have a thing to wear! 😉
I can’t correct my mistakes in reply, so I’ll try here. 1. I can’t make it in Inauguration, it’s over 2,000 miles away. And I know how to spell their and about. 🙂
She must have some sort of problem. Seriously! She equally goes after both sides, She really hates Republicans, but she dislikes the President.
If Steve Benen is her Producer, how can he stand this contempt and flying off the handle? She gets in her moods, don’t know if she had problems at Home, or what? But, once she gets in her mood, man is she a jerk!
You must remember that she too his handler like the rest of the talking heads. They ALL thrive on controversy, real and/or manufactured. It appears she is kinda questioning the Presidents choice of Brennen and drone strikes.
Maddow thinks that she is superior and ‘above all of the hype’. She thinks that she is a balancing factor in the news media.She is intensely competetive and because President Obama and his Administation are successful in spite of everything it makes her jealous. She is full of it at times.
I was not going to comment on Rachel, but I changed my mind. I have had to regroup my viewing on msnbc. Rachel especially has gotten to a point where, regardless of her knowledge and great homework, it is her deliverance that puts me off.
I refuse to listen to Anyone(regardless of their vast amount of knowledge) who are constantly so negative about President Obama. No, POB is not perfect, and he will be the first to tell you, but he does not deserves the disrespect in which the likes of Rachel are constantly whining about every things he does. It is very annoying to me, so I have found other things to do with my time during her program. I do not like people “with a bossy attitude coming out of their behinds all of the time.” I am done with her.
I refuse to allow anyone to take the joy away from these next four years with POB. This president has had to take a lot of crap from these”know it all”, and frankly, I really do not give a crap about them now. My time, hard work, money, and wanting peoples lives to be improved during these difficult times are more important to me than rating by bashing the President of the United States. It is getting so old now.
Most of these people would not even be getting a pay check, if it were not that President Obama did not become the 44th President. So really these people can speak their “dead ass words” into the spaces of their own distorted minds about this president. I am just plain tired of all of them. Moving on and enjoying a brilliant man’s mind, his compassion, and his love for his country moving on into a place that is good and filled with much joyfulness while still moving among the most vile, evil, and personalities having a very difficult time with the pigmentation of President Barack Obama. It certainly is not his brilliant mind, his love for his wife and two beautiful children and his family members.
History, he as made twice. Change, he has brought to this nation for the better. And he is the most caring, brilliant, and humble man I have seen in that Oval Office in my lifetime. My goal is to help POB
help others in this nation to come together and enjoy making their lives better than what it was before he took office in 2009. If a child can see his/her way to get a better education, fine. If a senior can see their insurance, social security benefits improve, fine. If a veteran can no longer be homeless, fine. If people all over this world can see a brighter future because of our beautiful president, fine. If less children are not going to bed hungry or without medicine because of POB’s policies, fine. If great minds have come together to make this a better place to live and make a decent wage for their families, fine. And we could go on and on. It will take more time, BUT we also had and still do have some very nasty and vile people who blocked every step POB tried and will continue do so. It just hurts so much to know that this brilliant president and all of us who worked so hard could have been so much further up the road on this journey, if the tone all over this nation had been a little more kind to this president. Why did they have to show all of this crap on POB, especially when our nation is going through so much. But POB is a very patient and strong man in his core, and he will do his very best to make things work, no matter what they say, or try to stop him from doing. Remember, Dr. Maya Angelou’s poem? “Still I Rise.” POB will rise, and so will we..
So we keep our faith intact, and pray for him and VPBiden. We will move with joy and gratefulness that POB
is our president. Excuse the mistakes, but I do get pissed in my space at times, but I will respect Chips space here and all of my dear TOD family. I have had enough, and I am trying to keep my heart full of
forgiveness, but it is difficult because this has been going on too long.HZ
Lovely HZ – That was wonderful. I felt my heart beating faster with each word I read. I appreciate your putting into words how, I’m guessin’, all of us feel. Thanks so much. (And thanks for mentioning Dr. Maya Angelou, one of my favorite poets!) We will not let ’em steal our joy!
Your words reflect my thoughts exactly! I get so tired of people who seem to spend their lives poised for any little thing PBO does or says that they can criticize. Or twist around into something it isn’t. Thanks so much HZ, I feel uplifted and inspired by your words.
All of which makes her look even more foolish. I’ve always found that people who seem to show a “superiority complex” (holding it all over everybody) actually are the ones who feel the most inferior within themselves. Something is missing in her. First, she thinks she must explain everything to her audience, as though they don’t have any way of understanding issues without her big old brain there to interpret, and then she yells at and about anybody who has an idea or way to proceed that she didn’t have first. Or something. But I think your comment that she’s jealous of the success of others, especially President Obama, is spot on.
I’ve always told my granddaughters that if you must put someone else down to make yourself look good, you’re already not lookin’ so good to me.
I always said Rachel believes she’s the smartest person in the room. I came to that conclusion when she tried to intellectually and substantively duel with Sec. Rice about national security. She has always supported Hillary Clinton and I don’t understand why since Hillary is a Blue Dog which goes against the political slant Rachel adheres to.
This is the part of the cognitive dissonance I see among some on the left who complain that Obama is a weak liberal. Hillary and Bill Clinton are more economically conservative than Obama. So, when liberals and progressives try to present them as more liberal than they really were, I am puzzled. And this is despite the fact that I do like Bill Clinton, but unlike some of my more liberal and emotional counterparts, I have not forgotten his record. He’s the one who gave us NAFTA, DADT, and DOMA.
You are right in your assessment of her show. These pundits have ego problems and their views are borderline crazy. Had not watch tv other than Steve Harvey and I were quickly reminded to always consult as many times as necessary the TOD’s news network. Stay sane. Just not worth letting these pundits into your space.
Yeah, I watched Rachel last night and came away with the same thoughts. I understand her concerns over Obama choosing Hagel and Brennen. However, she keeps forgetting that she’s not like most Americans. Neither am I or any other liberal/progressive who either is actively involved in politics or follows it closely. Most Americans don’t see the Republican and Democratic Parties in the same way as we do (or even our right-wing opponents).
Doesn’t Rachel know anybody who isn’t a political junkie like her? Everytime I visit my family (thus leaving the Beltway); it’s made clear to me that there are so many people who live in different orbits than I do. Everytime I talk to my family and a few friends on the phone, I’m made aware of the same thing.
Most Americans want discussion and compromise between the two major parties. And this is despite the fact that one of the major parties has gone off the deep end. How do you communicate this to most Americans without alienating them and appearing just as partisan as the loonies from the Right?
This is a question Obama is dealing with because, unlike Maddow, he’s fully aware that the country is not fully of political junkies. But, even here, Obama is out-maneuvering. Hasn’t it occurred to Rachel that the GOP is getting ready to “turn on their own?” Hagel is a Republican and conservatives don’t support him. And what about Brennan? Will the GOP show support for him, despite all the work he did under the Bush Adminstration? For the last 40 years, the Republican Party have been the prime example of lockstepping party loyal. Now, we see this unraveling before our very eyes.
If anything, these two appointments will excerbate the ongoing turmoil happening within the Republican Party. Actually, when you think about it, it’s pretty sadist. And the emoprogs keep saying that Obama doesn’t want blood? Well, let’s put it this way. There may be blood, but Obama will not be the one to spill it. However, he has no problem creating situations where opponents may spill their own instead.
Will the Republican Senators rake “their own” over the coals during the confirmation hearings? This is an interesting question I would like answered.
Thanks. One thing I’ve learned in 2011 is “wait and see” when it comes to Obama because it’s clear that he’s operating on a plane that is very different than most within the Beltway. I learned this hard way, but I learned it.
Look, when you’ve got the leading GOP Senator filibustering himself on the floor of the Senate, who knows what else will happen?
It’s true. Watching the President in action is like watching a really skilled chess master. He thinks ahead several moves and several different permutations. When all the pieces finally come together, you’re left breathless with awe and wonder at how adroitly he was able to anticipate so many of the oppositions moves.
Was just reading the itinerary of the Secret Service’s covering and protecting our First Family and Second Family during this most illustrious Inaugural, They are SERIOUS about this. There will be NO nonsense. I love it!
I see why you think he might, amk, but our SilverFox walks away with it, IMHO. Right Carolyn and HZ? (HZ, I am a little worried about your sweet self, I miss a lot on TOD, but feel I haven’t seen you today… {{{{{HZ}}}}} )
Hi Pamela. Thank you my dear one for asking about me. I am doing fine. I have had some follow-tests with my doctors, and so far good news. I do not worry about the pain with my IBS. I just live with it now. I cry so hard when I cannot take anymore of the pain, but the tears are a source of healing for me. I pray and regroup during some quiet times, and feel better. The IBS works with the brain. I just do what I need to do.
I saw that you have been pulling in some long hours, so please get some rest, my dear one. I thought of you a few nights about this. I love you and want you to take good care of yourself as well.
I am joyful, grateful, and very thankful for my daily protection,and grace and mercy in my life.
((((( Lots of hugs to you, my dear Pamela.)))))))))HZ
Yes, indeed Pamela. Our SilverFox is hot. A little taller would put him on over, but I will take him as is. I also get a feeling within my spirit that he really does care about how he does his job or protecting our POTUS.HZ
Yes, our SilverFox is the best!! He was with the President the whole time in Hawaii, and walked off Air Force One right behind him. I relax when I see him with our POTUS!!! AND, he’s handsome.
The show started airing about a coupla weeks back in India. I like both the gals, especially Dr Maura, the smart hawtie. Of course,y’days episode stretched the credulity a bit, where both of them get cut in their necks by a psycho and both of them are celebrating the black haired devil’s b’day in the same evening.
The show is fast paced and the gore & violence are a lot less than the usual cop & doctor shows.
Lisa, I watched the show and liked angie until I found out she was a repub. Of course, she’s supposed to be one of the cool repugs that are ok with the gays, but I don’t buy it. I hate that too because I used to enjoy that show. That’s why I try not to find out what peoples political affiliation are because once I do, it’s hard for me to tolerate them.
Sweet memories are made of this. This video reminds me again of how inspirational PBO is. Great team, great work but the guy at the top brought it home.
Good night TOD! 4 more days before my big move! Wanted to share a pic before I go to bed that a former colleague sent to me from my last job, the first & only “real” job I ever had in DFW. I spent 7 years there and prob would been longer if circumstances had allowed.
That was great, the video that is. Thank you, Chips.
I had given up going to the inauguration, even though my trip is paid for. One costly emergency after another began happening after Christmas. Earlier today I determined not to go; it just didn’t make any sense.
Tonight my oldest son wrote me to tell me that he would make up the funds that I lack, because he does not want me to miss the experience. He knows how much I have followed our guy, how much I respect him and how great my concern is for him.
I feel so blessed to have such a precious son, and after I stop feeling embarrassed for needing his help, I think I will accept it.
Since I have MS, I may have to find a spot and sit in my chair, but even if I have to stay on the bus, I will be glad to be there.
Evenlingeorgia…YES you must attend this historic event. I once heard from someone that money can “buy” memories. Those memories and experiences you will go through are priceless. When we get to the end of our life, let it be filled with memories and not regrets!
P.S. Tell us all about it!
Eveingeorgia, what a beautiful son you have in your precious space. You know your son better than I do, but just think of him giving his mother some of the joys that you paved the way for his life, and now he wants to share some of that.
I do understand the feelings of being independent, but I have learned since my mother passed that my precious brother and I are sharing her love as we share with each other. I do not have the money like I had when I was working, but I still keep my independent streak by my side but he brings me so much joy that it often pushes that “independent streak” out of the presence of a blessing filled with his love to me. However, I have come to realize that it is his blessings that I am blocking ,when I do not ask or have a difficult time accepting his “gifts of blessings” to me.
So, if you feel like taking this journey, just remember to not block your beautiful son’s blessings to his precious mother. He sounds like such a joy and loving son. Enjoy the memories that he wants to have you bring into your space. Enjoy them, just do.((((((((((( Think on these things.)))))))))))HZ
Allow your children to help you. We are so grateful for an opportunity to do anything for the parents who have loved and supported us through all. I know part of your reluctance is because you see yourself as the one to take care of him; well you have done so and obviously brilliantly. Just accept his help graciously and go and have a good time, which is all that he wants. I often have similar situations with my mom and I have to keep telling her that it is my privilege to do anything that will help to make her life easier and better.
I admit I was offended by it too. His title is somewhat misleading; he ascribes all kinds of negatives to the President’s focused actions then says he wishes the Repubs were as persistent with their own goals. I tweeted that I found it insulting, but I should have also added untrue.
@444sai: I've read this article and am not sure it's one I'd want to give hits to. In a way I find the author's depiction of PBO insulting.
What ticks me off about this whole process is the fact that Bush picked crooks/liars and white collar thugs and no one put up a fuss. I guess cause he was too busy ‘clearing’ brush and tumbleweed. Now we get a black/half white President and everyone’s tellin’ the “boy” what he should do. I’m sick off it. Leave the man alone. Go clean your own houses.
Yardarm, that is exactly what I was speaking out loud to myself while doing some dishing this afternoon. I said, “They get pleasure out of telling the “boy” what he should be doing or better being doing.” I am sick of it all. Thanks for your comments, Yardarm.
I always appreciate your music as well. Thank you so much for lifting my spirit through the music, yardarm.HZ
Bravo, Bravo, Yardarm! Like you I am sick of all these people, both on the left and the right, who insist disrespecting President Obama. Honestly, enough is enough! Just because some media people have megaphones does not give them the right to treat a duly elected President of the United States as an “errand boy” who must carry out all their wishes.
Whew. Where do I start. I must tell you that Jimi was a talented, troubled individual as were most of us that spent some time in Viet Nam. I had just returned when he was hitting his peak and didn’t have anything but a wife and 2 babies and no job. Anything or anyone that reminded me of my screwed up state of mind was irrelevant. To tell the truth, Jimi had immersed Himself in the culture of the time and that culture was against the war. Their opposition was so intense that they would deride the returning veterans and even spit on them. In the midst of my situation I was the recipient of some of that and wrongfully categorized a group of people by their dress, music and social activities.
Looks like my spidey senses were off, I hope what happened to your generation of vets is never repeated again. Thats why I am particularly pleased if confirmed Kerry/Hagel/Shinsheki all decorated Vietnam vets will be leading State/DOD/VA respectively. To make up for my miscalculation I have sandbagged a post that hopely will be more up your ally maybe 2x is the charm. BTW thank your for your service!
I almost enlisted in 2003, my aptitude scores on the exam the recruiter gave me were high enough to go for Officer training school and possibly West Point. But I could not pass a physical due to tendon tears in in my foot, which I’m still suffering from today.
I’m not making excuses for the way many people treated the returning troops from Vietnam. But people were angry and hurt. Instead of taking out their frustration on the people who sent the troops to Vietnam they took it out on the troops. It’s sorta like you buy a crapy product and get nasty with the customer service rep. He/she didn’t make the product or sell it, but he/she catches hell from the customer. I think many people regret the treatment of the Vietnam vets, even though they still believe the war was wrong and the 58,000 American lives lost is a tragedy. We respect the service of our troops and I personally lost a couple of friends over there and it’s still pretty painful.
I want to bring up this assault weapons again… Because I feel that America is ignoring it and it is very important. This is a very very serious issue in the U.S. and it seems that people are looking more at what Rachel Maddow had to say tonight against the Obama administration. First of all, Obama will decide his shit, and he is good at it! But I feel nobody is paying any attention to the most extreme subject of gun control. It’s absolutely crazy. There needs to be more voices by Americans on this subject.
In Canada, we cannot have a hand gun in our truck, even if we have a license to own it. We have to have a permit to transport it to a gun range. No average Canadian can do this. If you’re caught with a handgun, you better have a permit to carry it. As far as rifle’s go, you can carry a rifle during hunting season. You can carry a shotgun for skeet shooting with a license. But there is no such thing as hand guns or semi-automatic guns with clips bigger than 4 shells. You cannot hunt bigger than 5 shells in your gun. And shotguns can’t be more than 4 shells.
What just makes me sick is that around 96% of the wealth in the U.S. is owned by 4 percent of the people. And this is a fact. Very sad. Why when a 100% of people get to vote and it turns out 52% to 47% in a general election, is it just religion, or guns that make this happen? Why is there not more people with an opinion. My husband wonders why the minority of the south continually vote republican. They don’t get any breaks, yet they continue to vote republican. Guns and religion seem to be a very bad mixture.
It drives me crazy when I hear GOP saying that 50% of taxes are paid by the top 2%. Why shouldn’t they pay the bulk of the taxes, when they’re making the bulk of the money? Way more than their fair share, with a tax code that facilitates them stuffing their pockets even more deeply.
Joy, minority of the South vote Republican because of racism. Take a look at the Republican Party, it does not represent America, when you watch the Republican Convention all you saw was white people, the Democratic Convention you saw what America looks like. Remember what Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan rallies look like, hardly a person of color there. While I do not want to take away the right for a law abiding American to own a gun, I don’t get the love of guns either. I’m an mature adult and I have never held a gun and don’t feel like I missed out on anything either. I have a feeling if Black men where buying these assault weapons like crazy you would hear a different story from the NRA and certain parts of America.
Thanks, Joy. Good info for those who say “Canada has lots of guns and they don’t have the gun-related deaths the US has. It must be the American psyche!” Keep up the pressure. We “say” not to watch the MSM, but then…. yeah, all the distractions seem to keep on working against us!
20 children were killed, and no one is speaking up about it today. Nobody in this blog is talking about it. People like to talk more about who is being appointed. It’s a big issue and nobody is talking about it. Very sad. It’s time for people to take it on. This is the time folks! DO IT! Don’t let this go, I know your President would say the same. Probably the most important thing on his agenda and he needs everyones help.
Joy – Bobfr is always talking about it – never fear – the President and the VP are talking about it – Gabby Giffords and her husband are talking about it – the world never stops talking about it. It WILL happen
I really feel everyone will take this on. Bobfr is absolutely the best twitter on earth. You are so right, Gabby and her husband will take this to the people. And they will take it strong, it warms my heart that a women shot in the head survives and pushes for something better. Her husband is so very sweet as well, his support of her and carrying on something that is important to both of them. I can’t imagine what they went through. Gabby is such an inspiration to so many people.
I think the other day we were talking about gun violence, what happen in Newtown, Conn. because I remember saying that I don’t want this to be forgotten and everyday I wonder what can I do to keep this story alive. It is up to the media also to help, we know how the media attention is. I can only imagine how tough it is for the parents of the 20 little angels, but we need some of them to gather the strength to speak up and out in favor of gun control.
anniebella – you are so right – it is the parents that will drive this – has always been my point – it is very hard to argue against grieving families by saying “guns don’t kill”
“20 children were killed, and no one is speaking up about it today. Nobody in this blog is talking about it”
Joy, I don’t think this is accurate, and it’s not fair to accuse people on this blog of not being interested in gun control issues.
Right now the administration is almost near completion of a comprehensive gun-control package which is scheduled to be announced soon – I think we are waiting to see/hear from the task force led by VP Biden, and I’m sure there will be lots and lots of discussion following that decision. I also posted a tweet yesterday evening from former Rep Gabby Giffords’ husband regarding a special announcement they are going to be making TODAY Tuesday – which I believe is related to the issue of gun control.
As I said before, this blog is titled “The Obama Diary” so the topics of interest/discussion will largely center around the President, his administration and his family. So it’s not inappropriate for people to be discussing cabinet appointments that he recently made, or a particular segment on a political show that featured those appointments. This is not to say we haven’t, can’t and won’t discuss serious gun-related matters. If you go back in the archives, you will find plenty discussions of not just the Newtown Elementary School shooting, but all the previous tragedies where guns were inappropriately used – including the Trayvon Martin case which did not seem to bother Piers Morgan in the least.
And we will continue to have those discussions on this blog and elsewhere, long after Piers Morgan finds it profitable to do so.
Actor Gerard Depardieu is due in court in Paris on a drink-driving charge, days after he took Russian citizenship in a tax row with France’s government.
Karma – hope his stay in Russia ends as well as McAfee’s in Belize. When money becomes so important you can no longer live with your kinfolk – life seems very pointless.
What an idiot. He’s made a fortune in French movies and now he wants to avoid paying his share. I used to like him. I’ve found that I actively avoid reading anything about the opinions of actors I admire — if they turn out to be fools it takes away the pleasure of watching them perform.
TY, HZ. It’s really the next day now for me 😉 so here’s a morning hug {HZ}. We all seem to have our own roles here in TOD-land, a phenomenon that reminds me of the Biblical theme that each part of the body has a specific function, each necessary for the whole to work at optimum capacity. Have a wonderful pain-free day!
The Digital Policy Council, an international, non-partisan ‘think tank’ on 21st Century Governance, has released its 2012 ranking report on the use of social media by heads of state.
United States President again maintained the top spot of all world leaders, with a vast 24 million followers, adding 15 million followers in one year.
The 2012 re-election of President Obama broke several Twitter records. Following the news that he had been declared the winner, Obama’s account sent out the tweet: “Four more years” along with a photo of himself and the first lady, which became the most retweeted tweet of all time.
Throughout the day, more than 31 million election-related Tweets were sent out, creating the most tweeted-about event in US political history.
President Hugo Chavez of Venzuela grew his account by two million followers and maintained the number 2 spot, although he had 20 million less followers than President Obama in 2012.
When he found himself fighting an election campaign from his sick bed in Cuba, Twitter became his main tool for communicating with the electorate, a tool predominantly used for challenging his opponent and fighting the rampant rumors about his ill-health.
There’s no doubt that Twitter had a hand in rallying his 3.8 million followers to secure his re-election in October.
so, dear tods, the obama library will be located……. (??? 🙂 )
‘ President Obama hasn’t started his second term yet but plans are well underway for what to do after he leaves office.
President Obama is somewhat unique for a President because he calls two states home, Hawaii and Illinois. Both also want a stake in his presidential library and both could get it.
There’s no doubt Hawaii is a special place to the President. But is it special enough to have his Presidential Center, the place where he would build his library, museum, public policy center, and overall base of operation for after his time in office?
“We still have a lot of work to do but I do like our chances and we have gotten a lot of positive feedback from the President and his team,” said AJ Halagao, Chair, Hawaii Presidential Center Inaugural Gala.
Beyond the golf and shave ice which we know the President likes Hawaii is also the gateway to Asia and a place to get work done. The state already has an eight acre $75 million piece of land in Kakaako in mind.
“We’re setting aside the land. We’re priming the University and various institutions to be ready to partner with him when he’s ready to begin the formal process,” said Robert Perkinson, University of Hawaii Professor and Obama Presidential Center Initiative Project Director. “It’s a place he can recuperate and rest and recreate but it’s also a place where he can carry on important work.” ‘
I don’t know about Mt. Rushmore. But POTUS will be a young man still, he will be 55 years old. The world awaits him and FLOTUS, but I will think about that when the time come, right now it’s 4 more years as our President.
President Obama has picked the widow of slain civil rights icon Medgar Evers to deliver the invocation at his swearing-in this month, believed to be the first time a woman and a non-clergy member has been chosen to deliver perhaps America’s most prominent public prayer.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the murder of Evers, who was the NAACP’s Mississippi field secretary at the time of his death. Myrlie Evers-Williams went on to become chairman of the NAACP in the 1990s and spent decades fighting to win a conviction of her late husband’s shooter…
Shaun Casey, a Wesley Theogical Seminary professor who has written about faith and the U.S. presidency (and advised the Obama campaign on faith in 2008), said the president is like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln in that “he’s trying to unite the nation in the face of deep division and conflict. They are trying to coax more people into the national discussion . . . and this is the last time the entire nation will pay attention to what this guy says in one sitting.”
Having Evangelical Pastor Rick Warren give the invocation in 2009 was another attempt of PBO to hold his hand out to the evangelicals and the right wing and was received with absolutely no appreciation or gratitude. It was only a harbinger of what was to come.
Morning! Well…it’s very early for me to be awake…but that’s what happens when you hit the sack at 8pm! After my 2 weeks off, it was back to work for me yesterday, and it kicked my ass:) Nice to see everyone again…the kids all looked like they grew 6 inches over the break!
Hello DF – almost bed time in my world – why I know not – I’m listening to ChuckTodd attack Hagel – he seems about the same level as Bill Kristol in that he 99% gets it wrong
Morning, 99! I know, we’re completely backwards, time wise:) I don’t listen to any of those lip flappers. I can read and pay attention and have good reading comprehension skills. i don’t need anyone telling what I should think, thank you very much:) I’d rather do ANYTHING else than have to listen to these corporate shills drum up the crazy to get viewers. Screw them.
Anyway, good morning…or good night to you!! Have a good snooze!
“I don’t listen to any of those lip flappers. I can read and pay attention and have good reading comprehension skills. i don’t need anyone telling what I should think, thank you very much:) I’d rather do ANYTHING else than have to listen to these corporate shills drum up the crazy to get viewers. Screw them.”—> DF, you speak my mind…Have I told you lately that I love you 😉
Watch Debt ceiling doomsday nears….Little Ezra gets it right this time and schools the idiots that think it would be a “fine” idea for the US to default on its debt!
I’m loving the August video but I cannot wait until Chips produces the September. I have to say that our convention was one of the best that I have ever seen and I’ve been watching these things for about 30 years. Then we had the infamous 47% tape not to mention some pretty awesome campaign rallies. I am full of excitement for these vids Ms. Chips. Bring them on…..
GOOD MORNING EVERYONE…CAUGHT THIS ON JAVA JOE THIS A.M……………GEN.STANLEY MCCHRYSTAL….”ASSAULT WEAPONS DON’T BELONG ON THE STREETS.” MY SENTIMENTS EXACTLY! OFF TO THE DOCS….HOPEFULLY SOME PAIN RELIEF….HAVE A BLESSED MORNING!…:)
Grizzle broke down again when he described driving Caleb Medley, an aspiring comedian, to the hospital. “I thought he was going to die,” he said. “I kept saying, ‘Don’t fucking die on me.’ He was making a god awful noise and when I heard that I would keep yelling.”
After shuttling seven wounded moviegoers to the hospital, Grizzle said his car was covered in blood—on the floors, ceiling, seats, and dashboard. “As I was making turns…I could hear it sloshing in the back of my car,” he said.
Grizzle was one of the officers who testified in Courtroom 201 on the first day of the preliminary hearing in the case against James Holmes, who is accused of killing 12 people and injuring 70 others on July 20 in a shooting spree at the midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora. Police say Holmes, with his hair dyed red as a creepy homage to Batman’s Joker, was dressed in combat gear and armed with an assault rifle, a Glock pistol, a shotgun, and two canisters of what sources say was tear gas.
snip/
Frederickson said he later spoke to 23-year-old Farrah Soudani, who was recovering at a local hospital. She told the detective that she hit the floor when she heard the shots and then stood up when the pops stopped. That’s when she turned and was hit in the right side. “She coughed and saw several of her organs spilling out of the right side of her body,” he testified. She told Frederickson that a officer was holding her organs inside her as she was taken to the hospital.
For years, everyone assumed Republicans were politically savvy and Democrats weren’t. But Michael Tomasky thinks that stereotype is outdated. What if today’s GOP just isn’t very good at politics?
It’s pretty amazing, out of all the msnbc Shows I got to watch yesterday, after being sick and all, that Morning Jock is the one that sticks up for Hagel the most.
How about that?
Thank you again, Chips for a fantastic video! This one is my favorite so far, but they’re all perfectly wonderful. The picture of PBO kissing the tiny newborn baby just takes my breath away every time I see it.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – As the Congress rushed last week to approve a “fiscal cliff” tax bill that raised income taxes on the wealthy, Washington lobbyists were fretting over a drama that was playing out within the negotiations: whether the bill would include about $64 billion in tax breaks for businesses.
The bill extended several tax breaks backed by both parties, including $14.3 billion in credits for research and development projects for thousands of U.S. businesses. But it also had other provisions – breaks for companies involved in wind energy, auto racing, rum, Hollywood films and much more.
In the end, the bill approved by Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama included all of those things, thanks partly to the White House’s interest in promoting wind and other alternative sources of energy, and in subsidizing research and development costs for companies.
Good morning all. Chips, thank you for the great video”s. You are the best as always. HZ, I hope you are free from pain from now on,
I am off today and have chores galore. Great news about the nominations yesterday. Great news about Medgar Evers wife giving the invocation. I hope I am off that day.
What is the Republicans thinking here? The Government shutdown threat is march 28, just a little over 2 weeks before tax day in America.
So, by their thinking, if we shut down the government, we don’t have to pay taxes???
Don’t laugh, that’s how stupid they are.
Goo eveining!d
Mary again! Way to go!
Thanks, vc! It’s hard to type because the kitty is on my lap and I’m trying to balance the laptop on a pillow while also trying to type. I see we have the same time stamp, so we definitely share the honors!
Well in truth, Mary, you were clearly ahead of me because I recognized the shape of your head crossing the finish line. 😉 😉
Yup, you lost.
Jeez, Amk! Have you no tact? No regard for my finer feelings? It’s hard on the sensibilities, …the self-esteem, ….to come so close to the gold medal and have to smile and wish the winner well while keeping the tears at bay. What’s WRONG with you?
.
.
.
Yup, I lost. Clearly. And so close too! Rats! 😉
Should have gotten off your
bedfeet faster.gotten off your
bedfeet faster.Good lord, don’t tell me Chips has shared with you her secret for spying on me!
Just a shadow, vc, just a shadow! 😉
😉
You were in a hurry I’m guessing! 😉
I know! Best to be first, even with gibberish, right?
Of course! 🙂
Hi
Betsy too – shouldn’t you be sleeping? 😆
No, it is 8:55pm PST 🙂
Well, shouldn’t you be planning? 😉 Congrats on being in the battle to the finish line. 😆
All planned at least for the next week or so.
Alrighty then, Ms Betsy! (Chips, did you see that?) 😆
Are your kids the type that can stretch 1-week’s plans into 1 1/2 weeks or close to two because most work slowly or need their hand held for each step, or there are behaviour issues that slow up everybody? 🙄
I don’t know what language I typed that in. I was to eager to be first. Why?
Why not? 🙂
The eternal question.
🙂
Woohoo!
I hope to see some of you in DC! Love these videos, Chips!!
Thank you for your patience Judith!!! 🙂
So August is ready? Well, off I go to sit back and watch it. Thank you, Ms Chips.
VC, I’m here. One step at a time. Still have glitches in iPad. But I’ll start working on them in the morning. At least I can read TOD. That’s the important thing. So much has happened today that I’ve missed.
‘So much has happened today that I’ve missed.’
I won’t even go there when it comes to missing stuff today. I feel like I’m hopping around the village on one leg understanding-wise, instead of my normal one-and-a-half. You probably wouldn’t know this yet, Carolmae, but I absolutely hate when I don’t know everything that has gone on. It makes me feel disconnected. It’s my nosey gene, I guess.
No, that’s me too. Don’t know what I did before finding TOD.
Hello everyone. Congrats Mary1. Is that three or more today Mary?
Just twice today, because I’m hanging out on my computer instead of doing something useful!
The humming of Chipsticks endeavor has ceased, and we are the beneficiaries of so splendid an effort! Chipsticks, I marvel at your immensity! Thank you! Now I shall watch the video! {{{{{Chipsticks}}}}} 😆
And I was right… Now with all those splendid images and loving faces in my brain, I shall bid you all goodnight. Good Night. {{{{TOD}}}}
I love President Obama.
Hello everyone. Is it just me, or does Rachel Maddow seem to have a huge problem with the Obama Administration? I listened to a few minutes of her show tonight, and everything she talked about was with thinly veiled contempt for the Obama Administration and anyone associated with them. She even criticized the selection of Ticketmaster to sell the tickets, and announced quite sarcastically that all the tickets had been sold – not even pausing for breath to note that in the midst of the ticket chaos, every single ticket was sold within minutes of them being available. She seems to think that every single thing the Obama Administration does is being handled by incompetent, bumbling fools, who are somehow trying to sellout the American people, and that they secretly hate all true Democrats, i.e. the emoprogs. I haven’t listened to Rachel for a while, but jeez, it was really painful to listen to her tonight. If she’s been like this since the election, someone better check her blood pressure.
Sorry to hear that. She is not always like that. But she is critical some of the time.
The thing is, the topics on which she was critical seemed totally unreasonable. I don’t mind criticism, but there’s a point when someone is looking at the situation – every situation – with jaded glasses, and they’ve now become trapped in their own biases, preconceptions and lack of objectivity. There’s nothing wrong with the Obama people picking Ticketmaster – and everyone makes mistakes. I’d rather think about the joy of hearing that the inauguration is so popular that the tickets sold out immediately, and the fact that nearly every hotel is fully booked – and rooms are disappearing by the hour, even at the outrageous rates currently being offered. Her tone when talking about Hagel (and I admit, I tuned out for some of it because she was just on a bender) was so dismissive. Very disappointing – especially when this is a time for celebration.
She has disappointed me with her view on Hagel. I’m really glad to hear bout the tickets, etc being sold so fast. I’ve gotten invites from a couple groups. I didn’t pay attention because I knew I could go. Did request them from my very Repug Senators and congress woman to get under thir skin. 🙂
Getting under the skin of Republicans (especially over enthusiasm re: the inaugureation) is its own reward! 🙂
I’ve never paid attention to how people attend the Inauguration. I thought of it as a parade. Just assumed members of Congress got the good seats and those of President and VP families and maybe major donors, etc. How does the community usually attend? I remember a commentator saying four years ago downtown D.C. attended. Do you need tickets for the parade route too? What about the balls? I think I entered a contest. Wouldn’t have a thing to wear! 😉
I have absolutely no idea… LOL!
I can’t correct my mistakes in reply, so I’ll try here. 1. I can’t make it in Inauguration, it’s over 2,000 miles away. And I know how to spell their and about. 🙂
She must have some sort of problem. Seriously! She equally goes after both sides, She really hates Republicans, but she dislikes the President.
If Steve Benen is her Producer, how can he stand this contempt and flying off the handle? She gets in her moods, don’t know if she had problems at Home, or what? But, once she gets in her mood, man is she a jerk!
I turned it off, she was getting on my nerves……..when she’s good, she’s really good though……you never know what to expect.
ChristiM!!! 😆 :lol:: 😆 Ca fait longtemps que je ne t’ai pas vue! Hello there, sooo nice to see you. {{ChristiMtl}}
Salut voisine!….nice to see you too, I hope everything is good with you….ltns…..:)
All is well in my corner, TY. 😛
I find her very much like that on defense issues. In particular, the drone program is something which irks her seensibilities.
You must remember that she too his handler like the rest of the talking heads. They ALL thrive on controversy, real and/or manufactured. It appears she is kinda questioning the Presidents choice of Brennen and drone strikes.
She also appears to have her fruit of looms in a severe wedgie over drones and Gitmo and their relationship to Hagel and Brennen.
yardam756 I got something i putting together which I think will “float your boat” right up you alley I hope give me a few hope your stil up
Yeah lovely, I’ll be up for another hour or so.
Hee, hee…
Maddow thinks that she is superior and ‘above all of the hype’. She thinks that she is a balancing factor in the news media.She is intensely competetive and because President Obama and his Administation are successful in spite of everything it makes her jealous. She is full of it at times.
I was not going to comment on Rachel, but I changed my mind. I have had to regroup my viewing on msnbc. Rachel especially has gotten to a point where, regardless of her knowledge and great homework, it is her deliverance that puts me off.
I refuse to listen to Anyone(regardless of their vast amount of knowledge) who are constantly so negative about President Obama. No, POB is not perfect, and he will be the first to tell you, but he does not deserves the disrespect in which the likes of Rachel are constantly whining about every things he does. It is very annoying to me, so I have found other things to do with my time during her program. I do not like people “with a bossy attitude coming out of their behinds all of the time.” I am done with her.
I refuse to allow anyone to take the joy away from these next four years with POB. This president has had to take a lot of crap from these”know it all”, and frankly, I really do not give a crap about them now. My time, hard work, money, and wanting peoples lives to be improved during these difficult times are more important to me than rating by bashing the President of the United States. It is getting so old now.
Most of these people would not even be getting a pay check, if it were not that President Obama did not become the 44th President. So really these people can speak their “dead ass words” into the spaces of their own distorted minds about this president. I am just plain tired of all of them. Moving on and enjoying a brilliant man’s mind, his compassion, and his love for his country moving on into a place that is good and filled with much joyfulness while still moving among the most vile, evil, and personalities having a very difficult time with the pigmentation of President Barack Obama. It certainly is not his brilliant mind, his love for his wife and two beautiful children and his family members.
History, he as made twice. Change, he has brought to this nation for the better. And he is the most caring, brilliant, and humble man I have seen in that Oval Office in my lifetime. My goal is to help POB
help others in this nation to come together and enjoy making their lives better than what it was before he took office in 2009. If a child can see his/her way to get a better education, fine. If a senior can see their insurance, social security benefits improve, fine. If a veteran can no longer be homeless, fine. If people all over this world can see a brighter future because of our beautiful president, fine. If less children are not going to bed hungry or without medicine because of POB’s policies, fine. If great minds have come together to make this a better place to live and make a decent wage for their families, fine. And we could go on and on. It will take more time, BUT we also had and still do have some very nasty and vile people who blocked every step POB tried and will continue do so. It just hurts so much to know that this brilliant president and all of us who worked so hard could have been so much further up the road on this journey, if the tone all over this nation had been a little more kind to this president. Why did they have to show all of this crap on POB, especially when our nation is going through so much. But POB is a very patient and strong man in his core, and he will do his very best to make things work, no matter what they say, or try to stop him from doing. Remember, Dr. Maya Angelou’s poem? “Still I Rise.” POB will rise, and so will we..
So we keep our faith intact, and pray for him and VPBiden. We will move with joy and gratefulness that POB
is our president. Excuse the mistakes, but I do get pissed in my space at times, but I will respect Chips space here and all of my dear TOD family. I have had enough, and I am trying to keep my heart full of
forgiveness, but it is difficult because this has been going on too long.HZ
Well said, HZ!
Lovely HZ – That was wonderful. I felt my heart beating faster with each word I read. I appreciate your putting into words how, I’m guessin’, all of us feel. Thanks so much. (And thanks for mentioning Dr. Maya Angelou, one of my favorite poets!) We will not let ’em steal our joy!
Your words reflect my thoughts exactly! I get so tired of people who seem to spend their lives poised for any little thing PBO does or says that they can criticize. Or twist around into something it isn’t. Thanks so much HZ, I feel uplifted and inspired by your words.
All of which makes her look even more foolish. I’ve always found that people who seem to show a “superiority complex” (holding it all over everybody) actually are the ones who feel the most inferior within themselves. Something is missing in her. First, she thinks she must explain everything to her audience, as though they don’t have any way of understanding issues without her big old brain there to interpret, and then she yells at and about anybody who has an idea or way to proceed that she didn’t have first. Or something. But I think your comment that she’s jealous of the success of others, especially President Obama, is spot on.
I’ve always told my granddaughters that if you must put someone else down to make yourself look good, you’re already not lookin’ so good to me.
Plus she talks too doggone MUCH!
Like she’s the professor givin’ the lecture, and we’re the dolts sitting in front of her. UGH.
I always said Rachel believes she’s the smartest person in the room. I came to that conclusion when she tried to intellectually and substantively duel with Sec. Rice about national security. She has always supported Hillary Clinton and I don’t understand why since Hillary is a Blue Dog which goes against the political slant Rachel adheres to.
This is the part of the cognitive dissonance I see among some on the left who complain that Obama is a weak liberal. Hillary and Bill Clinton are more economically conservative than Obama. So, when liberals and progressives try to present them as more liberal than they really were, I am puzzled. And this is despite the fact that I do like Bill Clinton, but unlike some of my more liberal and emotional counterparts, I have not forgotten his record. He’s the one who gave us NAFTA, DADT, and DOMA.
You are right in your assessment of her show. These pundits have ego problems and their views are borderline crazy. Had not watch tv other than Steve Harvey and I were quickly reminded to always consult as many times as necessary the TOD’s news network. Stay sane. Just not worth letting these pundits into your space.
Trying to catch up. Have an awesome day family.
Yeah, I watched Rachel last night and came away with the same thoughts. I understand her concerns over Obama choosing Hagel and Brennen. However, she keeps forgetting that she’s not like most Americans. Neither am I or any other liberal/progressive who either is actively involved in politics or follows it closely. Most Americans don’t see the Republican and Democratic Parties in the same way as we do (or even our right-wing opponents).
Doesn’t Rachel know anybody who isn’t a political junkie like her? Everytime I visit my family (thus leaving the Beltway); it’s made clear to me that there are so many people who live in different orbits than I do. Everytime I talk to my family and a few friends on the phone, I’m made aware of the same thing.
Most Americans want discussion and compromise between the two major parties. And this is despite the fact that one of the major parties has gone off the deep end. How do you communicate this to most Americans without alienating them and appearing just as partisan as the loonies from the Right?
This is a question Obama is dealing with because, unlike Maddow, he’s fully aware that the country is not fully of political junkies. But, even here, Obama is out-maneuvering. Hasn’t it occurred to Rachel that the GOP is getting ready to “turn on their own?” Hagel is a Republican and conservatives don’t support him. And what about Brennan? Will the GOP show support for him, despite all the work he did under the Bush Adminstration? For the last 40 years, the Republican Party have been the prime example of lockstepping party loyal. Now, we see this unraveling before our very eyes.
If anything, these two appointments will excerbate the ongoing turmoil happening within the Republican Party. Actually, when you think about it, it’s pretty sadist. And the emoprogs keep saying that Obama doesn’t want blood? Well, let’s put it this way. There may be blood, but Obama will not be the one to spill it. However, he has no problem creating situations where opponents may spill their own instead.
Will the Republican Senators rake “their own” over the coals during the confirmation hearings? This is an interesting question I would like answered.
You make some very interesting points and ask a very interesting question. I totally agree with you.
Thanks. One thing I’ve learned in 2011 is “wait and see” when it comes to Obama because it’s clear that he’s operating on a plane that is very different than most within the Beltway. I learned this hard way, but I learned it.
Look, when you’ve got the leading GOP Senator filibustering himself on the floor of the Senate, who knows what else will happen?
It’s true. Watching the President in action is like watching a really skilled chess master. He thinks ahead several moves and several different permutations. When all the pieces finally come together, you’re left breathless with awe and wonder at how adroitly he was able to anticipate so many of the oppositions moves.
Was just reading the itinerary of the Secret Service’s covering and protecting our First Family and Second Family during this most illustrious Inaugural, They are SERIOUS about this. There will be NO nonsense. I love it!
Where did you see the itinerary? That may help to put my mind at ease…
theo, it’s 1.usa.gov/13bwbhC
Thank you – I’m almost nervous to look…
Remember….God’s got them (smile).
Excellent point! 🙂
I really like these videos, thanks Chips…..
I requested tickets for the Inauguration from my Senator Barraso (R-WY). Think ill have any luck? Hitting up Sen. Enzi tomorrow and then Rep. Luumis.
You have lovely set of congress critters. Congrats.
Lucky me. 😉
Does this guy (from rizzoli & isles) resemble your fav SS guy ?
http://celebslists.com/18072-bruce-mcgill.html
I see why you think he might, amk, but our SilverFox walks away with it, IMHO. Right Carolyn and HZ? (HZ, I am a little worried about your sweet self, I miss a lot on TOD, but feel I haven’t seen you today… {{{{{HZ}}}}} )
She did respond to one of my posts at about 5:30 tonight (EST). She seemed ok.
Thank you Theo, I’m happy to hear it. The last thread was so heavy, I had to give up on it, iPad just goes wild. Goodnight! 🙂
Goodnight! 🙂
Hi Pamela. Thank you my dear one for asking about me. I am doing fine. I have had some follow-tests with my doctors, and so far good news. I do not worry about the pain with my IBS. I just live with it now. I cry so hard when I cannot take anymore of the pain, but the tears are a source of healing for me. I pray and regroup during some quiet times, and feel better. The IBS works with the brain. I just do what I need to do.
I saw that you have been pulling in some long hours, so please get some rest, my dear one. I thought of you a few nights about this. I love you and want you to take good care of yourself as well.
I am joyful, grateful, and very thankful for my daily protection,and grace and mercy in my life.
((((( Lots of hugs to you, my dear Pamela.)))))))))HZ
Yes, indeed Pamela. Our SilverFox is hot. A little taller would put him on over, but I will take him as is. I also get a feeling within my spirit that he really does care about how he does his job or protecting our POTUS.HZ
Yes, our SilverFox is the best!! He was with the President the whole time in Hawaii, and walked off Air Force One right behind him. I relax when I see him with our POTUS!!! AND, he’s handsome.
Do you watch that show? I boycott it because the tall, black haired devil is a Repuke who dislikes PBO. The one who plays the cop.
The show started airing about a coupla weeks back in India. I like both the gals, especially Dr Maura, the smart hawtie. Of course,y’days episode stretched the credulity a bit, where both of them get cut in their necks by a psycho and both of them are celebrating the black haired devil’s b’day in the same evening.
The show is fast paced and the gore & violence are a lot less than the usual cop & doctor shows.
Also. Too. I lurv husky voiced dames. Started with Susan Pleshette. 🙂
Lisa, I watched the show and liked angie until I found out she was a repub. Of course, she’s supposed to be one of the cool repugs that are ok with the gays, but I don’t buy it. I hate that too because I used to enjoy that show. That’s why I try not to find out what peoples political affiliation are because once I do, it’s hard for me to tolerate them.
Congratulations to all three Firsts 🙂
Another beautiful video Chipsticks – keep ’em coming love 😀
http://www.rediff.com/business/slide-show/slide-show-1-perfin-10-resolutions-to-help-you-save-money/20130108.htm
10 good new year resolutions.
Hahahaha. Dave for the win.
Sweet memories are made of this. This video reminds me again of how inspirational PBO is. Great team, great work but the guy at the top brought it home.
BTW thanks Chips for the trip down memory lane.
Good night TOD! 4 more days before my big move! Wanted to share a pic before I go to bed that a former colleague sent to me from my last job, the first & only “real” job I ever had in DFW. I spent 7 years there and prob would been longer if circumstances had allowed.
Good night guys
I think this is my favorite video so far Chipsticks. My 72 year old dad is giving you a polite golf clap when he walked by!
Excellent tweet. RT’ed.
That was great, the video that is. Thank you, Chips.
I had given up going to the inauguration, even though my trip is paid for. One costly emergency after another began happening after Christmas. Earlier today I determined not to go; it just didn’t make any sense.
Tonight my oldest son wrote me to tell me that he would make up the funds that I lack, because he does not want me to miss the experience. He knows how much I have followed our guy, how much I respect him and how great my concern is for him.
I feel so blessed to have such a precious son, and after I stop feeling embarrassed for needing his help, I think I will accept it.
Since I have MS, I may have to find a spot and sit in my chair, but even if I have to stay on the bus, I will be glad to be there.
Evenlingeorgia…YES you must attend this historic event. I once heard from someone that money can “buy” memories. Those memories and experiences you will go through are priceless. When we get to the end of our life, let it be filled with memories and not regrets!
P.S. Tell us all about it!
I will, Carla4Obama! If memories must be bought, then these are the ones.
What a beautiful thought and what a beautiful son you have. I’m lucky enough to have a son myself.
Eveingeorgia, what a beautiful son you have in your precious space. You know your son better than I do, but just think of him giving his mother some of the joys that you paved the way for his life, and now he wants to share some of that.
I do understand the feelings of being independent, but I have learned since my mother passed that my precious brother and I are sharing her love as we share with each other. I do not have the money like I had when I was working, but I still keep my independent streak by my side but he brings me so much joy that it often pushes that “independent streak” out of the presence of a blessing filled with his love to me. However, I have come to realize that it is his blessings that I am blocking ,when I do not ask or have a difficult time accepting his “gifts of blessings” to me.
So, if you feel like taking this journey, just remember to not block your beautiful son’s blessings to his precious mother. He sounds like such a joy and loving son. Enjoy the memories that he wants to have you bring into your space. Enjoy them, just do.((((((((((( Think on these things.)))))))))))HZ
I’m so happy for you! Lucky, lucky!
Allow your children to help you. We are so grateful for an opportunity to do anything for the parents who have loved and supported us through all. I know part of your reluctance is because you see yourself as the one to take care of him; well you have done so and obviously brilliantly. Just accept his help graciously and go and have a good time, which is all that he wants. I often have similar situations with my mom and I have to keep telling her that it is my privilege to do anything that will help to make her life easier and better.
At least he’s honest enough to admit something we’ve long known.
Not in a complimentary way – I find much in that article quite offensive, but then I expected no better.
Actually he is advocating the thugs to act more thuggish, if possible, in that piece.
This is pure claptrap junk. I was extremely offended by it. What a jerk Thiessen is!
I admit I was offended by it too. His title is somewhat misleading; he ascribes all kinds of negatives to the President’s focused actions then says he wishes the Repubs were as persistent with their own goals. I tweeted that I found it insulting, but I should have also added untrue.
What ticks me off about this whole process is the fact that Bush picked crooks/liars and white collar thugs and no one put up a fuss. I guess cause he was too busy ‘clearing’ brush and tumbleweed. Now we get a black/half white President and everyone’s tellin’ the “boy” what he should do. I’m sick off it. Leave the man alone. Go clean your own houses.
Well said Yardarm; very well said.
Yeah hope it REALLY jams my rudder.
I pegged you as a Hendrix fan based on previous classics you have posted in the past, hope link below tickles your fancy.
Yardarm, that is exactly what I was speaking out loud to myself while doing some dishing this afternoon. I said, “They get pleasure out of telling the “boy” what he should be doing or better being doing.” I am sick of it all. Thanks for your comments, Yardarm.
I always appreciate your music as well. Thank you so much for lifting my spirit through the music, yardarm.HZ
Glad to do it HZ but not tonite. These pundits have me in a bit of a snit.
Bravo, Bravo, Yardarm! Like you I am sick of all these people, both on the left and the right, who insist disrespecting President Obama. Honestly, enough is enough! Just because some media people have megaphones does not give them the right to treat a duly elected President of the United States as an “errand boy” who must carry out all their wishes.
(((((((( Thank you, nathkatun7))))))))). I think that we all are so tired of this. We try to be patient and nice, but it is old now.HZ
I with you on that 100%.
Whew. Where do I start. I must tell you that Jimi was a talented, troubled individual as were most of us that spent some time in Viet Nam. I had just returned when he was hitting his peak and didn’t have anything but a wife and 2 babies and no job. Anything or anyone that reminded me of my screwed up state of mind was irrelevant. To tell the truth, Jimi had immersed Himself in the culture of the time and that culture was against the war. Their opposition was so intense that they would deride the returning veterans and even spit on them. In the midst of my situation I was the recipient of some of that and wrongfully categorized a group of people by their dress, music and social activities.
Looks like my spidey senses were off, I hope what happened to your generation of vets is never repeated again. Thats why I am particularly pleased if confirmed Kerry/Hagel/Shinsheki all decorated Vietnam vets will be leading State/DOD/VA respectively. To make up for my miscalculation I have sandbagged a post that hopely will be more up your ally maybe 2x is the charm. BTW thank your for your service!
No problem. It was an honor to serve. I had planned to make it a career.
I almost enlisted in 2003, my aptitude scores on the exam the recruiter gave me were high enough to go for Officer training school and possibly West Point. But I could not pass a physical due to tendon tears in in my foot, which I’m still suffering from today.
The Almighty has other plans for you.
GN sailor enjoyed the colloquy.
I’m not making excuses for the way many people treated the returning troops from Vietnam. But people were angry and hurt. Instead of taking out their frustration on the people who sent the troops to Vietnam they took it out on the troops. It’s sorta like you buy a crapy product and get nasty with the customer service rep. He/she didn’t make the product or sell it, but he/she catches hell from the customer. I think many people regret the treatment of the Vietnam vets, even though they still believe the war was wrong and the 58,000 American lives lost is a tragedy. We respect the service of our troops and I personally lost a couple of friends over there and it’s still pretty painful.
I want to bring up this assault weapons again… Because I feel that America is ignoring it and it is very important. This is a very very serious issue in the U.S. and it seems that people are looking more at what Rachel Maddow had to say tonight against the Obama administration. First of all, Obama will decide his shit, and he is good at it! But I feel nobody is paying any attention to the most extreme subject of gun control. It’s absolutely crazy. There needs to be more voices by Americans on this subject.
In Canada, we cannot have a hand gun in our truck, even if we have a license to own it. We have to have a permit to transport it to a gun range. No average Canadian can do this. If you’re caught with a handgun, you better have a permit to carry it. As far as rifle’s go, you can carry a rifle during hunting season. You can carry a shotgun for skeet shooting with a license. But there is no such thing as hand guns or semi-automatic guns with clips bigger than 4 shells. You cannot hunt bigger than 5 shells in your gun. And shotguns can’t be more than 4 shells.
What just makes me sick is that around 96% of the wealth in the U.S. is owned by 4 percent of the people. And this is a fact. Very sad. Why when a 100% of people get to vote and it turns out 52% to 47% in a general election, is it just religion, or guns that make this happen? Why is there not more people with an opinion. My husband wonders why the minority of the south continually vote republican. They don’t get any breaks, yet they continue to vote republican. Guns and religion seem to be a very bad mixture.
It drives me crazy when I hear GOP saying that 50% of taxes are paid by the top 2%. Why shouldn’t they pay the bulk of the taxes, when they’re making the bulk of the money? Way more than their fair share, with a tax code that facilitates them stuffing their pockets even more deeply.
Joy, minority of the South vote Republican because of racism. Take a look at the Republican Party, it does not represent America, when you watch the Republican Convention all you saw was white people, the Democratic Convention you saw what America looks like. Remember what Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan rallies look like, hardly a person of color there. While I do not want to take away the right for a law abiding American to own a gun, I don’t get the love of guns either. I’m an mature adult and I have never held a gun and don’t feel like I missed out on anything either. I have a feeling if Black men where buying these assault weapons like crazy you would hear a different story from the NRA and certain parts of America.
Thanks, Joy. Good info for those who say “Canada has lots of guns and they don’t have the gun-related deaths the US has. It must be the American psyche!” Keep up the pressure. We “say” not to watch the MSM, but then…. yeah, all the distractions seem to keep on working against us!
20 children were killed, and no one is speaking up about it today. Nobody in this blog is talking about it. People like to talk more about who is being appointed. It’s a big issue and nobody is talking about it. Very sad. It’s time for people to take it on. This is the time folks! DO IT! Don’t let this go, I know your President would say the same. Probably the most important thing on his agenda and he needs everyones help.
Joy – Bobfr is always talking about it – never fear – the President and the VP are talking about it – Gabby Giffords and her husband are talking about it – the world never stops talking about it. It WILL happen
I really feel everyone will take this on. Bobfr is absolutely the best twitter on earth. You are so right, Gabby and her husband will take this to the people. And they will take it strong, it warms my heart that a women shot in the head survives and pushes for something better. Her husband is so very sweet as well, his support of her and carrying on something that is important to both of them. I can’t imagine what they went through. Gabby is such an inspiration to so many people.
I think the other day we were talking about gun violence, what happen in Newtown, Conn. because I remember saying that I don’t want this to be forgotten and everyday I wonder what can I do to keep this story alive. It is up to the media also to help, we know how the media attention is. I can only imagine how tough it is for the parents of the 20 little angels, but we need some of them to gather the strength to speak up and out in favor of gun control.
anniebella – you are so right – it is the parents that will drive this – has always been my point – it is very hard to argue against grieving families by saying “guns don’t kill”
“20 children were killed, and no one is speaking up about it today. Nobody in this blog is talking about it”
Joy, I don’t think this is accurate, and it’s not fair to accuse people on this blog of not being interested in gun control issues.
Right now the administration is almost near completion of a comprehensive gun-control package which is scheduled to be announced soon – I think we are waiting to see/hear from the task force led by VP Biden, and I’m sure there will be lots and lots of discussion following that decision. I also posted a tweet yesterday evening from former Rep Gabby Giffords’ husband regarding a special announcement they are going to be making TODAY Tuesday – which I believe is related to the issue of gun control.
As I said before, this blog is titled “The Obama Diary” so the topics of interest/discussion will largely center around the President, his administration and his family. So it’s not inappropriate for people to be discussing cabinet appointments that he recently made, or a particular segment on a political show that featured those appointments. This is not to say we haven’t, can’t and won’t discuss serious gun-related matters. If you go back in the archives, you will find plenty discussions of not just the Newtown Elementary School shooting, but all the previous tragedies where guns were inappropriately used – including the Trayvon Martin case which did not seem to bother Piers Morgan in the least.
And we will continue to have those discussions on this blog and elsewhere, long after Piers Morgan finds it profitable to do so.
Actor Gerard Depardieu is due in court in Paris on a drink-driving charge, days after he took Russian citizenship in a tax row with France’s government.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20937700
Fucking libertariantards always end up as assholes.
Karma – hope his stay in Russia ends as well as McAfee’s in Belize. When money becomes so important you can no longer live with your kinfolk – life seems very pointless.
What an idiot. He’s made a fortune in French movies and now he wants to avoid paying his share. I used to like him. I’ve found that I actively avoid reading anything about the opinions of actors I admire — if they turn out to be fools it takes away the pleasure of watching them perform.
Especially from a supposedly left leaning country, his snit-fit over taxes is disgusting.
Oh dear, it’s almost 2am! I’d better toddle off to bed in case I have to work tomorrow. Good night you night (or afternoon) owls!
Nite, vc. You are such an inspiration to me. I enjoy your wit and I want you to know that.HZ
TY, HZ. It’s really the next day now for me 😉 so here’s a morning hug {HZ}. We all seem to have our own roles here in TOD-land, a phenomenon that reminds me of the Biblical theme that each part of the body has a specific function, each necessary for the whole to work at optimum capacity. Have a wonderful pain-free day!
Chips – Thanks for all of the “2012” videos to date! Here’s a quote for ya:
“I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” — Douglas Adams
Tomorrow is another day! 🙂
Never forget or avoid this essential fact ….
… the fate of humanity, not just America, depends on understanding it and acting accordingly.
Yes We Can
From India
The Digital Policy Council, an international, non-partisan ‘think tank’ on 21st Century Governance, has released its 2012 ranking report on the use of social media by heads of state.
United States President again maintained the top spot of all world leaders, with a vast 24 million followers, adding 15 million followers in one year.
The 2012 re-election of President Obama broke several Twitter records. Following the news that he had been declared the winner, Obama’s account sent out the tweet: “Four more years” along with a photo of himself and the first lady, which became the most retweeted tweet of all time.
Throughout the day, more than 31 million election-related Tweets were sent out, creating the most tweeted-about event in US political history.
President Hugo Chavez of Venzuela grew his account by two million followers and maintained the number 2 spot, although he had 20 million less followers than President Obama in 2012.
When he found himself fighting an election campaign from his sick bed in Cuba, Twitter became his main tool for communicating with the electorate, a tool predominantly used for challenging his opponent and fighting the rampant rumors about his ill-health.
There’s no doubt that Twitter had a hand in rallying his 3.8 million followers to secure his re-election in October.
http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-obama-no-1-manmohan-no-19-on-top-tweeting-leaders-list/20130108.htm
so, dear tods, the obama library will be located……. (??? 🙂 )
‘ President Obama hasn’t started his second term yet but plans are well underway for what to do after he leaves office.
President Obama is somewhat unique for a President because he calls two states home, Hawaii and Illinois. Both also want a stake in his presidential library and both could get it.
There’s no doubt Hawaii is a special place to the President. But is it special enough to have his Presidential Center, the place where he would build his library, museum, public policy center, and overall base of operation for after his time in office?
“We still have a lot of work to do but I do like our chances and we have gotten a lot of positive feedback from the President and his team,” said AJ Halagao, Chair, Hawaii Presidential Center Inaugural Gala.
Beyond the golf and shave ice which we know the President likes Hawaii is also the gateway to Asia and a place to get work done. The state already has an eight acre $75 million piece of land in Kakaako in mind.
“We’re setting aside the land. We’re priming the University and various institutions to be ready to partner with him when he’s ready to begin the formal process,” said Robert Perkinson, University of Hawaii Professor and Obama Presidential Center Initiative Project Director. “It’s a place he can recuperate and rest and recreate but it’s also a place where he can carry on important work.” ‘
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/20527055/hawaii-hosting-first-fundraiser-for-obama-library
The world loves this man, and it’s not surprising that everyone wants that library! Next stop -> Mt. Rushmore.
theo – he will do much for the world after he leaves the White House – no hiding away like GWB – the world stage awaits
I don’t know about Mt. Rushmore. But POTUS will be a young man still, he will be 55 years old. The world awaits him and FLOTUS, but I will think about that when the time come, right now it’s 4 more years as our President.
Samsung Electronics has said it expects to make a record profit for the quarter to the end of December, powered by growing sales of its smartphones.
It has estimated an operating profit of 8.8 trillion won ($8.3bn; £5.1bn) for the quarter, a 90% jump from the same period a year earlier.
That would make it the fifth quarter in a row of record profits for Samsung.
The success of its Galaxy smartphones helped Samsung overtake Nokia as the world’s biggest phone maker last year.
Analysts said that given the popularity of its smartphones, the South Korean firm was likely to see its profits grow further in the coming months.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20942231
The gun nuts are running scared.
As they should be – it is past time for those “gun rights activists” to face the reality of what their paranoia is doing to the rest of the country.
via bj
President Obama has picked the widow of slain civil rights icon Medgar Evers to deliver the invocation at his swearing-in this month, believed to be the first time a woman and a non-clergy member has been chosen to deliver perhaps America’s most prominent public prayer.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the murder of Evers, who was the NAACP’s Mississippi field secretary at the time of his death. Myrlie Evers-Williams went on to become chairman of the NAACP in the 1990s and spent decades fighting to win a conviction of her late husband’s shooter…
Shaun Casey, a Wesley Theogical Seminary professor who has written about faith and the U.S. presidency (and advised the Obama campaign on faith in 2008), said the president is like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln in that “he’s trying to unite the nation in the face of deep division and conflict. They are trying to coax more people into the national discussion . . . and this is the last time the entire nation will pay attention to what this guy says in one sitting.”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/inauguration/medgar-evers-widow-to-deliver-invocation-at-obama-inauguration/2013/01/07/293904e2-592e-11e2-88d0-c4cf65c3ad15_story.html?hpid=z5
Having Evangelical Pastor Rick Warren give the invocation in 2009 was another attempt of PBO to hold his hand out to the evangelicals and the right wing and was received with absolutely no appreciation or gratitude. It was only a harbinger of what was to come.
http://americansforresponsiblesolutions.org/
Giffords, Mark Kelly Launch Gun Control Initiative On Anniversary Of Tucson Shooting
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/giffords-mark-kelly-launch-gun-control-initiative-on
http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/01/07/gabby-giffords-mark-kelly-tucson-shooting-gun-control/1816383/
Morning! Well…it’s very early for me to be awake…but that’s what happens when you hit the sack at 8pm! After my 2 weeks off, it was back to work for me yesterday, and it kicked my ass:) Nice to see everyone again…the kids all looked like they grew 6 inches over the break!
Morning post: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-08/u-s-set-for-biggest-state-local-jobs-boost-since-2007.html
Hello DF – almost bed time in my world – why I know not – I’m listening to ChuckTodd attack Hagel – he seems about the same level as Bill Kristol in that he 99% gets it wrong
Morning, 99! I know, we’re completely backwards, time wise:) I don’t listen to any of those lip flappers. I can read and pay attention and have good reading comprehension skills. i don’t need anyone telling what I should think, thank you very much:) I’d rather do ANYTHING else than have to listen to these corporate shills drum up the crazy to get viewers. Screw them.
Anyway, good morning…or good night to you!! Have a good snooze!
“I don’t listen to any of those lip flappers. I can read and pay attention and have good reading comprehension skills. i don’t need anyone telling what I should think, thank you very much:) I’d rather do ANYTHING else than have to listen to these corporate shills drum up the crazy to get viewers. Screw them.”—> DF, you speak my mind…Have I told you lately that I love you 😉
I love you back!
Thank you and Good Morning DF! This is excellent news. I’m tweeting this.
37 hypocrites
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/01/07/1407641/37-congressional-republicans-opposed-sandy-relief-after-supporting-disaster-aid-for-home-states/
df, They are heartless sick bastards.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45755883/ns/msnbc-the_last_word/#VpFlash If you didn’t see this from last night, you need to!
Watch Debt ceiling doomsday nears….Little Ezra gets it right this time and schools the idiots that think it would be a “fine” idea for the US to default on its debt!
This is fantastic news.
I just read this….should be more than powerful and amazing!
Wow!!!!
LOVE THIS…MERLY EVERS…OH MY TEARS WILL ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!…:)
Also, this about the choice of Medgar Evers’s wife. Pres. Obama keeps making history.
I’m loving the August video but I cannot wait until Chips produces the September. I have to say that our convention was one of the best that I have ever seen and I’ve been watching these things for about 30 years. Then we had the infamous 47% tape not to mention some pretty awesome campaign rallies. I am full of excitement for these vids Ms. Chips. Bring them on…..
GOOD MORNING EVERYONE…CAUGHT THIS ON JAVA JOE THIS A.M……………GEN.STANLEY MCCHRYSTAL….”ASSAULT WEAPONS DON’T BELONG ON THE STREETS.” MY SENTIMENTS EXACTLY! OFF TO THE DOCS….HOPEFULLY SOME PAIN RELIEF….HAVE A BLESSED MORNING!…:)
PLEASE TELL ME AGAIN WHY THESE ARE A “RIGHT”???????????????
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/01/08/aurora-cops-relive-the-horror-at-james-holmes-hearing.html
Grizzle broke down again when he described driving Caleb Medley, an aspiring comedian, to the hospital. “I thought he was going to die,” he said. “I kept saying, ‘Don’t fucking die on me.’ He was making a god awful noise and when I heard that I would keep yelling.”
After shuttling seven wounded moviegoers to the hospital, Grizzle said his car was covered in blood—on the floors, ceiling, seats, and dashboard. “As I was making turns…I could hear it sloshing in the back of my car,” he said.
Grizzle was one of the officers who testified in Courtroom 201 on the first day of the preliminary hearing in the case against James Holmes, who is accused of killing 12 people and injuring 70 others on July 20 in a shooting spree at the midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora. Police say Holmes, with his hair dyed red as a creepy homage to Batman’s Joker, was dressed in combat gear and armed with an assault rifle, a Glock pistol, a shotgun, and two canisters of what sources say was tear gas.
snip/
Frederickson said he later spoke to 23-year-old Farrah Soudani, who was recovering at a local hospital. She told the detective that she hit the floor when she heard the shots and then stood up when the pops stopped. That’s when she turned and was hit in the right side. “She coughed and saw several of her organs spilling out of the right side of her body,” he testified. She told Frederickson that a officer was holding her organs inside her as she was taken to the hospital.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/01/08/the-incompetent-party.html
For years, everyone assumed Republicans were politically savvy and Democrats weren’t. But Michael Tomasky thinks that stereotype is outdated. What if today’s GOP just isn’t very good at politics?
Handy dandy little summation of the 113th Congress people….save this one!
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/01/08/meet-the-freshman-introducing-the-new-members-of-the-113th-congress.html
It’s pretty amazing, out of all the msnbc Shows I got to watch yesterday, after being sick and all, that Morning Jock is the one that sticks up for Hagel the most.
How about that?
Thank you again, Chips for a fantastic video! This one is my favorite so far, but they’re all perfectly wonderful. The picture of PBO kissing the tiny newborn baby just takes my breath away every time I see it.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – As the Congress rushed last week to approve a “fiscal cliff” tax bill that raised income taxes on the wealthy, Washington lobbyists were fretting over a drama that was playing out within the negotiations: whether the bill would include about $64 billion in tax breaks for businesses.
The bill extended several tax breaks backed by both parties, including $14.3 billion in credits for research and development projects for thousands of U.S. businesses. But it also had other provisions – breaks for companies involved in wind energy, auto racing, rum, Hollywood films and much more.
In the end, the bill approved by Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama included all of those things, thanks partly to the White House’s interest in promoting wind and other alternative sources of energy, and in subsidizing research and development costs for companies.
http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE90700L20130108?irpc=932
Morning!
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/01/08/rise-and-shine-395/
Good morning all. Chips, thank you for the great video”s. You are the best as always. HZ, I hope you are free from pain from now on,
I am off today and have chores galore. Great news about the nominations yesterday. Great news about Medgar Evers wife giving the invocation. I hope I am off that day.
What is the Republicans thinking here? The Government shutdown threat is march 28, just a little over 2 weeks before tax day in America.
So, by their thinking, if we shut down the government, we don’t have to pay taxes???
Don’t laugh, that’s how stupid they are.