President Barack Obama is photographed during a presidential portrait sitting for an official photo in the Oval Office, Dec. 6, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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Morning everyone! I’m a bit tied up with work, but will be back later. Chat away!
I really like this official portrait of our PBO; his eyes are smiling, which is always one of the indicators that tell how he is really feeling at a particular moment.
Federal agents are trying to determine how a suspected Ohio white supremacist with a felony conviction for manslaughter acquired a cache of 18 assault weapons and other firearms, along with high-capacity magazines and more than 40,000 rounds of ammunition, according to federal law enforcement officials and court documents reviewed by NBC News.
The storehouse of weapons was discovered late last month when FBI agents arrested Richard Schmidt, 47, the owner of a Bowling Green sporting goods store called Spindletop Sports Zone, on charges of marketing counterfeit goods — such as football jerseys with NFL logos — from China.
Although initially portrayed as a probe into the thriving international market for counterfeit clothing, the case took a surprising turn this week when the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Cleveland unsealed search warrants and an indictment charging Schmidt with illegal possession of firearms.
Humans are tribal in nature, during the civil war Robert E Lee, left to fight for the confederates army because his state VA was part of the south. So his allegiance went to his state and not the United States. Maybe groups feel more comfortable and accepted to what they know and the unknown… is well unknown :).
Good Morning good people!
That is definitely true. But then we are supposed to draw upon our other instincts to form a society and lurch forward with our best characteristics, for the common good of the larger tribe that includes all of us in the United States of America and the world at large.
Some of these people, I’m really starting to believe, got left back on the evolutionary trail as Neanderthals, while the rest of us jumped at the chance to take full advantage of being Homo Sapiens and walk upright. It’s the 21st century, so one would think the way to do that has been fully documented and planned out for ’em.
A few of the brains of these racists need to be kept on a lab shelf in jars, figuratively like Einstein’s, for further study. We’re still writing the tale of evolution of the species. Another reason to better educate our students in science. I realize it’s not just in our country, of course. All we have to do is stand upright and look around to know that.
Excellent, Barb! I’m getting superfluous negative thoughts about Repukes out of my system today, then I’ll be in happy land all weekend and through the Inaugural Balls!
I don’t know if the lady from Wasila and their ilk want to come along and join the homo sapiens, heck she doesn’t believe in evolution, she will have to talk coherently, be knowledgeable, and take on the difficult task of knowing things like Africa is a continent and not a country and can no longer use ignorance as a badge of honor. I agree with you absolutely! The key phrase is evolution! Can you imagine religion without science?
“Senator Obama, I have something I want to give you,” the man said. “I’ve carried this military patch with me every day for 40 years, and I want you to carry it, and itwill keep you safe in your journey.” Obama tried to refuse, but the older man persisted.
Big endeavors can find their meaning in small moments.
Later that day, Obama and his aides discussed the encounter. The future president pulled the patch from his pocket, along with about a dozen other items people had pressed upon him.
“This is why I do this,” he said. “Because people have their hopes and dreams about what we can do together.”
Yes Indeed.These ordinary citizens are those who have the most interesting,relevant and important stories and life lessons,but they’re hardly ever featured on cable news or print media. Bravo to WaPo for telling us about Earl Smith.
Yes Indeed.These ordinary citizens are those who have the most interesting,relevant and important stories and life lessons,but they’re hardly ever featured on cable news or print media
But trash Obama and your face will appear on every morning, afternoon and evening news show.
Very moving piece. I remember Callie Shell’s photo of his lucky charms. Imagine all the people PBO has met and touched along the way, including many of us here!!
isonprize, I wouldn’t want you in the hospital, so the next time you are faced with the prospect of being kissed by PBO,why not give me a call and let me take it instead. I don’t mind spending a couple nights in the hospital….
LOL! Thanks Donna, I would have loved to be there and meet my fellow TODers – but I have family visiting for the weekend, so we planned to watch the inauguration on TV among other things.
We have four more years – which should give us sooooo many opportunities to meet up – I’m keeping my fingers crossed! 🙂
I touched him! I touched his elbow!—-when he was still Sen. Obama with just a gleam of the presidency in his eye. I’ve told the story before, but I was trying to get his attention to sign his book after an appearance at a community college in my area. Alas, I was no match for all the little ol’ ladies who were surrounding him and elbowed me out of the way. But it is still my claim to fame. Family still laughs about my “special relationship” with Barack Obama—–because I “touched his elbow that one time.”
oh this is a great story. It’s so amazing what valerie Jarrett wrote. See, you just never know how one person is going to affect you. I hope he goes to DC. sounds like he will
Of course the Tea parry thinks the only way now to stop this is to shut down the Government. That’s dangerous. The Republicans are all meeting at a Retreat this Weekend, at a Former Plantation.
A Former Plantation!!!
I don’t think that’s what he’s implying. He’s trying to spoof Lance Armstrong’s confession to Oprah of using performance enhancers, so in his case it’s dictionary for his Twitter sessions.
He should also confess by being obsessed with food, salivating all over twitter at every lunch item ordered by Obama on the campaign trail. Noticed the other day he was even focused on the food served at Lincoln’s 2nd inauguration. Food gets a disproportionate amount of attention from Knoller.
Today Show just aired a segment about Pres. Obama’s reveal of his iPod playlist as he approaches his 2nd term. He has Biz Markie, Stevie Wonder, Katy Perry, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Brad Paisely. Nice line-up.
I can just imagine all those Conservatives in Virginia Plantation this weekend. In their Black top hats, sipping on a glass of lemonade, thinking about days gone by. Days gone by…
This retreat they are having to strategize about how to have unity, in light of a Government shutdown, is gross.
I agree Jovie141; The GOP is the party of Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Yet the RWNJ TPGOP, supported by the MSM, continue their strategy of obstructionism hoping for the result of President Obama’s failure.
It is frustrating (and it should be unacceptable to the people who voted for them) that they spent the past four years being against ANYTHING the President was for. It is immoral that rather than actually legislating to do some good for the country, they sat on anything that would make life better for middle income Americans.
It seems to me that in their minds the next four years should have a similar strategy. Since the goal can’t be to “keep Obama from getting a second term,” I guess the strategy is to try to overturn the progress that was made during the first term (e.g., ACA, Dream Act, Economic Recovery, etc.), or short of that, make sure he gets no credit for the positive things that are accomplished during President Obama’s administration. So once again, instead of working to make the country safer for our children and enact the proposals presented by the President, they are looking for ways to criminalize the President’s actions and looking for ways to call the Executive Orders unconstitutional. Rather than working on ways to continue to improve the economy and to (gasp) create jobs, they want to play chicken with the debt ceiling. They want to claim that the President is overstepping his bounds when he is doing his job by being the executive while they continue to shirk their duties to legislate.
Fortunately, we have a President with the intelligence and character to get things done despite the insanity. And fortunately, despite the stage given to the insanity by the MSM, most Americans and thankfully (or maybe not thankfully) the rest of the world know what the deal is as is indicated in the President’s approval ratings.
Also, the Zmilitary is mad that we will not have Pre emotive Wars anymore and by virtue, large Armies. The Sequestration looks like it is going to happen, that means more emphasis in special forces\Ops and yes Drones.
The Military brass is pissed, they have egos just like Big Business.( Alpha Males)!
It’s really the civilians in charge of the military who call for war. And it’s the civilians in Congress who appropriate the funds for war and to build up the military, sometimes when the military has said they don’t need all of the funding and have spend years strategically streamlining their operations capabilities to meet actual challenges in the 21st century (which don’t always include more troops on the ground, as we’ve seen).
I recognize you’re not overgeneralizing to include all military by your use of “military brass,” but even there, there’s sanity. We stopped having a War Department in the 20th century, when the name was changed to the Department of Defense. For a whole bunch of good reasons. This, alone, is why it’s so important to make sure Bush-Cheney types never get their hands on the White House again!
Saw him on TV saying something like he’s changed his mind about using “fascism,” because it reminds people of Hitler and “I guess in this country, you can’t use the word fascism.” FREEDOM, as meta tweeted. Oh, and: Profits. Greed. Stuff like that.
You know I shop at my coop or whatever store is having a special. Whole Foods is pricey and I rarely go there but you can believe I won’t be shopping there for anything at anytime now.
The only thing I go there for is cheese. They have a great cheese department and are willing to cut small chunks for a single person on a budget. Oh well.
Does anyone have more information about the Obama Legacy Conference this Sunday? I thought we were supposed to get information about a livestream or something?? Anyone else get that email a couple of weeks ago? Jim Messina says “stay tuned” but it’s getting close!!
They are so blasted behind on everything so you will probably not get it until today or tomorrow. 4000 volunteers will be on hand with some surprise guests dropping by during the day. I’m thinking the two David’s may come by. PBO will be taking his oath on Sunday so I doubt it will be him. Here is the agenda:
9:00 am Welcome and 2012 Debrief
10:00 am Next Steps for the OFA Movement
11:00 am Break
11:30 am Special Guest Presentation ****This is probably when they will live feed***
12:15 pm Lunch
1:45 pm Workshop Block 1
2:45 pm Break
3:15 pm Workshop Block 2
4:15 pm Break
4:45 pm What’s Next
5:30 pm Conference Debrief
5:45 pm Conference Concludes
6:00 pm Optional Professional Development Sessions
Probably not. Your best hope is for the live-feed that Meta spoke of in her comment. I’ll go back and check my email to see if it says anything about televising this.
I see that CBS/NYT via Mark Knoller very predictably came out with their trusted poll to tell us that PBO dropped 9pts in approval since December (snort), and that he is the 2nd to lowest in approvals among the last four 2-term presidents at the same in their Presidency.
Ah, right before the inauguration and during the gun control debate, we can rely on the MSM to eagerly do their GOP corporate master’s bidding to try to tear down our President. But they will NOT succeed.
Thanks meta for your support. I think it’s important that we continue to push back heavily on these MSM cretins with their disinformation campaigns. The dishonest and racist media is a HUGE reason for PBO’s current approvals – which would be in the 60-70 range otherwise.
as the last election has shown us, polls don’t matter. They are just ginned up numbers with skewed questions, asked of a population that doesn’t truly represent the American public. NBC and all the rest can go suck it.
HF, no matter what they say or how many bogus polls they put out, no body is going to remember and it won’t change one immutable fact and that is that President Barack H Obama was re-elected to a second term with an overwhelming majority, one of the great achievements in history. I’m sure PBO regards the CBS/NYT play as just another speck to flick off his shoulder while he polishes his second inaugural speech.
I thought the polls before and on Nov 6 we were told over and over again about a certain man called Mitt yes Mitt was going to win the election to the extent he delayed our celebrations on Nov 6 by a couple of hours because he had to write a concession speech. Can you tell I am not working today 🙂
But you know, from what I’ve heard between 70 – 80% of NRA members think that gun laws should be tightened. Every time LaPierre opens his mouth it just pushes that entire organization over into Fringe Land. Now they are a meaningless shell that carries little weight. It’s up to the elected officials to realize that.
You’s be fringing too, if you had the right to sell all the surplus weapons and supplies from the military. You read that right. The NRA gets surplus goods from the military (free of charge) which they sell to surplus outlets. They even receive grants from the DoD, under the guise that they train young people in marksmanship skills. That is one way military grade weapons hit our streets.
morning all you O’s! how goes it on yet another great getting up day on planet TOD!!! I’m watching Washington Journal on CSPAN and the guest is Politifact. The person is giving the final report on promises kept by PBO during his 1st term. They were amazed that he kept 72% of his promises. Remarkable, they say since under the circumstance of such obstruction he faced. Also, the fact that his over 500 promises were so specific, not just general, many politicians, where if a piece of it was done they could take credit for the whole thing as having been accomplished. They also admit many of the promises he didn’t keep were due to the ‘Pubs. Interesting….
Intelligence is not the same as wisdom or discernment as for wealth, there are all sorts of way to make it and some make it burning everything in their path and selling their soul.
I thought you’d be showing up, Donna! Love the way Stephanie frames her message – first that Gov. O’Malley is a “great supporter of President Obama’s.” Stef should comment on TOD!
I am sure Jefferson Ibama will tear apart Ny Times/CBS poll crosstabs. That said, the Praident enacts tough gun control measures, which poll very well, and he drops 9 points???
Makes no sense!
Jovie, it’s a bogus way to try to undermine enthusiasm just as many of the polls we agonized over during the election. They’re becoming so obvious in their shenanigans, that it’s just hard to take them seriously anymore. The only poll that mattered occurred on November 6.
President Barack Obama’s remaining campaign apparatus will relaunch Sunday as a tax-exempt group to support his second term agenda, a senior Democrat familiar with the plans confirms to POLITICO. The new organization will be separate from the Democratic National Committee. Obama’s 2012 campaign manager Jim Messina will be the national chair of the group. Read the full story –
Oh. I bet it’s gotta do with this email I got from Jim Messina (ha! that I got! that sounds funny). Anyhoo. here it is:
Since you went above and beyond to support the campaign, I wanted you to be the first to know: Today, we’re launching Organizing for Action, the next phase of this movement.
It will be a supporter-driven organization, as we’ve always been, staying true to our core principles: “respect, empower, include.” We’ll work on the key battles of our generation, train the next generation of grassroots organizers and leaders, and organize around local issues in our own communities. We’ll continue to support the President in creating jobs and growing the economy from the middle out, and in fighting for issues like immigration reform, climate change, balanced deficit reduction, and reducing gun violence.
We have a remarkable opportunity right now to change our country, and if we can take the enthusiasm and passion that people showed throughout the campaign and channel it into the work ahead of us, we will be unstoppable.
As the chair of Organizing for Action, I will be deeply involved in this new organization, but it will be supporters like you who will determine where it goes. I have no doubt we can take this grassroots movement to new and extraordinary heights.
I’m excited for this next step — and I’m glad to have you with us.
Stay tuned,
Messina
Jim Messina
Chair
Organizing for Action
Do you think this is what they’re talking about? I bet it is. How exciting!
YIPPEE!!! It’s Inauguration Weekend! They came and remove all the public mailboxes and trash cans down here in this area yesterday. They are into serious security for this event.
The city is looking mighty spiffy but come prepared for very cold weather. Last weekend it was 60 degrees but just in time for the big day it drops to the 30’s 😦
I’m taking the subway metro over to the National Mall today at lunch and hope to send Chips some pictures later today.
donna, she doesn’t look 49. Yesterday when the picture was first shown someone said she looks 29. It must have been the trip to Hawaii or something our President is doing. Just kidding guys, I shouldn’t have said that. 🙂
You know, the astonishing thing is that on top of everything else he must confront, PBO is simultaneously working on building an enduring Democratic legacy for the future. I’m sure he doesn’t want to see all his hard work undone but more than that, he’s always thinking strategically about how to make this a true democracy. LOVE him, LOVE him, LOVE him.
Good morning TOD family,
I’m not going to let Mark Knoller spoil our Inauguration weekend. I have always disliked polls – not because of what they claim, but because of what they do to distort and discourage. I am so grateful to Chips for having this wonderful site where I can follow the President on a daily basis. I take my own “poll” by looking carefully at the reactions of the people around the President. Their smiles and their body language tell a very different story. A story of respect, of understanding and yes, a story of love.
It may be true that President Obama has faced more hostility and even hatred than most Presidents – some of which can be traced to unresolved issues of racism and some of which is pushback from those who feel threatened by the President’s unwavering support of America’s working families over the modern robber barons. But overall, I cannot remember any President who was more admired and loved by the people. Have you ever heard shouts of “I love you” as many times as we heard it at candidate Obama’s rallies? Have you ever seen so many people embracing a President with that expression of deep feeling? President Obama cares for the people he serves, and the vast majority of the people know it and they respect him and love him back. There is no carefully manufactured “poll” that will convince me otherwise. So go away, Mark Knoller, I am getting ready to see my President sworn in for his second term and I will support him and fight along with him in his continuing struggle to perfect our Union.
Please let us not forget alot of these same darn polls had President Obama losing the election. Like you I have had it up to here with polls. The President have a job to do, if the Republicans want to help, they are welcome, if not then get the hell out of the way. That goes for the sorry ass media too. We must continue to do whatever we can to help POTUS.
I’m going to write my Congressman today about the gun control proposals POTUS put forth Tuesday. And I want to get a letter to the Democratic Senators who seem to be dragging their feet.
You’re right hgerhard. Nothing Mark Knoller says will ever prevent my enjoyment and excitement for this Inauguration! I just think it’s important to let these fools know that we’re on to their BS, and won’t allow their crap to deter us in our support and admiration of our President. I truly believe that heavy pushback (via Twitter, Blogs, etc) on false and manufactured MSM memes contributed in part to PBO’s success in Nov 2012.
OT. One of my random thoughts. So glad the lovely Sheryl Crow got away from Lance Armstrong. Didn’t watch Oprah’s interview, but saw snippets & read a little bit in the news. Aghast. Ghastly! The man, not Oprah. Not sure if I can watch Part 2.
It was Lance Armstrong that ditched poor Sheryl Crow. But I agree with you that she was lucky to have gone and repaired her life without such a pathological liar being associated with her.
Frankly, I must be one of the few that just Never liked Armstrong. I believed the French from day one that Lance Armstrong was doping. And when Karma comes calling this time, the guy would get his due.
“The arc of the universe may be long, but the advance of common sense actually can take place very quickly. And if it bends toward justice, or simple sanity, it is because people bend it. What we are seeing may be the first signs of a nation deciding, at last, to bend back.” — Adam Gopnik
Algerian rescue mission is just not great. How many were killed? They refused any help. UK PM was just not happy, neither was Penetta, the French, etc.
The White House has issued a statement saying that Barack Obama is getting regular updates on the situation, and is in constant communication with David Cameron and others, CNN reports.
The US is in the process of evacuating the site of Americans, the channel says.
[…..] Back in 2009 Republicans were grinning like cheshire cats when the loonies showed up at town hall meetings to decry the fact that the Kenyan Muslim was giving us socialized health care. They fanned the flames and rode that horse all the way to sweeping victories in the 2010 midterms.
Now that crazy chicken is coming home to roost. And they’re not going to let them get away with being reasonable.
I have zero advice for ya fellas. You brought this one on yourselves and you’re going to have to figure a way out on your own too.
Meanwhile, its quite a hoot thinking about Paul Ryan (yes, THAT Paul Ryan) having to talk the lunatics down. […..]
“A Petoskey stone is a rock and a fossil, often pebble-shaped, that is composed of a fossilized coral, Hexagonaria percarinata.[1] The stones were formed as a result of glaciation, in which sheets of ice plucked stones from the bedrock, grinding off their rough edges and depositing them in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and the northwestern (and some in the northeastern) portion of Michigan’s lower peninsula. In some areas of Michigan, complete fossilized coral colony heads can be found.
Petoskey stones are found in the Gravel Point Formation of the Traverse Group. They are fragments of a coral reef that was originally deposited during the Devonian period. [1] When dry, the stone resembles ordinary limestone but when wet or polished using lapidary techniques, the distinctive mottled pattern of the six-sided coral fossils emerges. It is sometimes made into decorative objects. Other forms of fossilized coral are also found in the same location.
In 1965, it was named the state stone of Michigan.”
Tears of joy and pride are in my eyes. I just love how our president sees us and loves us; he is a public servant in the truest sense of the term. I am so thankful that enough of us saw his character and fought to bring him and us through to a 2nd term. Brighter days are ahead and we are so blessed to see and to be a part of making it happen. We have a champion who understands that when we “respect, empower, and include” people, incredible things happen. I’ll bet all of those who looked upon PBO with derision for being a community organizer now realize what a powerful position this is. Our president has been community organizing our country and much of the world for the past four years and I am looking forward to him doing so to even greater heights for the next four.
Hahahahahahahaha. This parody account is hilarious. It mocks Cornel West and Tavis Smiley for their petty grudge against Pres. Obama and their poverty pimp tour/hustle.
Good morning TOD family and Chips. I’m so excited. I can hardly wait for the re-inauguration. I won’t be able to attend, I will be watching on TV. I did get an e-mail asking to join my neighbors, make new friends, honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, and get ready for the inauguration. I wish all you TODbots going to the re-inauguration the best time ever.
Can someone remind me why the political world expects voters to take this guy seriously as a national leader?
During his tenure in Washington, his most notable legislative accomplishment has been sponsoring “a resolution designating September 2011 as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month.” Rubio hopes to build on this record by copying President Obama’s immigration policy.
His breakthrough moment in 2012 came when he seemed troubled by a question on how old the planet is, which came on the heels of Rubio arguing that George W. Bush “did a fantastic job” as president.
I sent Rubio an email, I call him Mitt Romney Jr. If he think he is going to be President, he might as well give up on that thought. The Tea Party nuts alone can’t elect him and people are not falling for Rubio and his lies.
WORCESTER — Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray will not run for governor in 2014, citing the demands of campaigning, serving in elected office and his desire to spend more time with his wife and two young daughters.
“I’ve decided that I am not going to run for governor,” the former Worcester mayor told the Telegram & Gazette this morning, ending speculation among many and hope among his supporters that he would try to succeed Gov. Deval L. Patrick next year. […..]
Me too!!! Remember the bright colors of their First inaugural outfits? I was wondering if they will go bright or more teen contemporay. I am beyond being embarassed about my interest in all thngs visual and Obama related. Still impressed with FLOTUS bangs.
That is not to say that I am not totally monitoring all our policy moves. Beyond thrilled at new OFA.
So much for the DNC demanding our list.
They tried that for a while but gave up once they realized nobody was really listening to them…
For the past week, the local stations here have been highlighting every night different families and people headed to the inauguration…
Even the procrastinators still scrambling trying to make airline reservations to fly out as late as Sunday night…
It’s interesting watching Californians show off all their newly purchased thermal underwear and warm clothing to media allowed into their homes to film them pack for their trip…
Yes the excitement is definitely there! Even Mother Nature is going to be on her best behavior and keep the rain/snow at bay for that weekend. And there won’t be that kind of excitement in 2017 (unless PBO gets re-elected to a third term).
It won’t make on bit of difference to those folks over there at Fox. They probably already know about. They will just ignore it and go on blaming President Obama for everything. What did the Fox people have to say about the President saying that their Lord and Saviour Ronald Reagen supported assault weapon ban.
We really need to plaster this photo everywhere. it’s not just about children for policy advocacy, it serves to remind everyone that the RWNJ’s want all the embryos in a petrie dish to be born, but couldn’t care less about first graders being slaughtered.
I tuned into the view this morning and groaned when I saw Bill O’Reilly was the guest but I’m having fun watching it because Tom Arnold is guest hosting and he is kicking O’Reilly’s ass about everything from his revisionist history of Lincoln, his ridiculous assault weapons stance, torture, Bill O’Reilly denying that he and his station never said Hillary was faking her concussion and blood clot. It’s nice to see someone not pander to the crazy that spews from O’Reilly.
And the audience cheered and applauded after Walters read Obama’s gun proposals. Agree Tom Arnold was a hoot, pimping BillO after every dumb comment. ‘So, your Lincoln book is like the Lincoln movie, only funnier?”
[I feel a comedy skit in here, somewhere! Calling Stephen Colbert!]:
Byron York: “The purpose of the House Republican retreat, now going on in Williamsburg, Va., is to help GOP lawmakers come to terms with just how weak they are. Even though the party controls the House, the talk in some quarters at Williamsburg is of adopting a ‘minority mentality’ to oppose President Obama’s initiatives the way Republicans did when they were in an even weaker position in 2009. By doing so, the thinking goes, the GOP might be able to rebuild itself after last November’s devastating losses.”
“The problem is, if Republicans are asked what they can reasonably expect to accomplish in the next six months, after a variety of fights with the president, they don’t have an answer. What would constitute an achievable victory? They don’t really know.”
DNC, as in the group that stood on the sidelines and didn’t do or say a goddamn thing whenever President Obama was being attacked by the Republican Party?
Yep, that DNC. They are parasites and I am glad that once again, PBO is going his own way. OFA exists because of him; we are not a parcel to be handed off to anyone who asks.
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South African singing sensation Lira says she will dedicate a Zulu love song to United States President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, when she performs at Monday’s inaugural ball in Washington D.C.
Lira says she is blown away by the invitation. She told South African talk show host Redi Tlhabi her career has “gone way beyond my wildest dreams … I’m extremely excited, it blows my mind.”
On Talk Show Radio 702 this week Lira promised to dedicate a song of her own composition called “Ngiyazifela” to America’s first couple. “It talks about being so in love with one’s partner and I think Michelle and Obama are such an inspiring couple, I just want to pay a tribute to that.” Ngiyazifela is Zulu slang for being madly in love.
There is so much intelligent, authentic, grounded, inspired, powerful, constructive action arising from the President’s leadership
that I am starting to realize just how frigging depressed and oppressed and without hope we have all
been for soooooooooooooooooooooo long. But the genie is OUT of the bottle and there’s no putting
him or us back in there. New Wine: New Skins. I am off to play with my grandchildren. Back in the evening
to chatch up with everything and everybody.
Love you all. xoxox
I was thinking and feeling the same way when i saw that picture of GWB up thread. I marvel at how we suffered (and many died) for eight long years. I almost get sick to my stomach whenever I see shrub’s face. So thankful that we have been delivered from that awful time.
House GOP looks to tie passage of budget to debt-limit increase
Russell Berman
01/18/13 12:16 PM ET
House Republicans are moving toward a short-term plan that would be conditional upon Senate Democrats passing a budget. …
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar finalized a plan Friday that sets aside 192,100 acres of public land in Arizona for solar energy.
“This project is a key milestone in our work to spur smart development of solar and wind energy on public lands across the West. Arizona has huge potential when it comes to building a clean energy economy, and this landscape-level plan lays a solid foundation for making sure that it happens in the right way and in the right places,” Salazar said in a Friday statement.
The plan also established the 2,250-acre Agua Caliente Solar Energy Zone, which is part of an Obama administration initiative to fast-track solar projects in six Western states.
KS is one of my favorite people as well for these very reason. Plus, he’s kinda cute in a nerdy, earnest way. I even sent him an email awhile back to thank him for his incredible service. Just think; a few years ago our guys were #’s 99 and 100 in the Senate, but look at them now. Even with all of our challenges as a nation, it is still, only in America that this is possible.
Nicest couple ever: even more than JFK and Jackie imho. Michelle looks stunningly beautiful with new hairdo. She isn’t aging, she is growing more spectacular and blossoming every year . I think PBO looks exceedingly distinguished and as someone noted above, I agree that he wears the mantle of office with grace and elegance.
I have a question. Chips identifies this photo as “President Barack Obama is photographed during a presidential portrait sitting for an official photo in the Oval Office, Dec. 6, 2012.” This may not be his official portrait, just his traveling photo, perhaps? Usually, the official portrait is a head and shoulders shot, so it can be framed and placed in all federal buildings, among other uses.
During his first term, I was already a federal retiree. But the first time I went into a federal building, I right away checked the lobby for his portrait. When I saw it hanging brightly on the wall, I stood there for a few minutes, smiling, taking it all in. Was considering lighting a candle in front of it, like it were a shrine, but thought the other people would cart me away, so I moved on. But I also looked back over my shoulder at it, a couple of times! Ha!
I don’t want to rush the next four years in any way, but I thought this morning that our future President Joey Biden will be inviting the Obamas to the White House after their departure back into civilian life, for the unveiling of their official portraits – which will hang in the White House for all time. Sob. Sob.
I did the same thing when I accompanied my sis to VA hospital for an appointment in 09. First thing we did was go find the picture and stood there grinning and giggling and crying for a few minutes. I’m tearing up now remembering that feeling. Others walked up and did the same thing. Man, that was great!
The Obama Diary 
GM
And she scores!!! the crowd roars!
Congrats CEB!
Thanks (taking a deep bow).
congrats CEB – enjoy your day of R&R
Way to go! 🙂
Congrats CEB.
Good morning Chipsticks and TOD’s
Good Morning CEB, and congrats! Morning Chipssssssssssssssssssss!
Good morning to you and thanks, sweetpeg.
Nice picture.
Good morning UT. Picture is beyond nice. 😉 😉 🙂
Yeah I like this one more than his other one.
I really like this official portrait of our PBO; his eyes are smiling, which is always one of the indicators that tell how he is really feeling at a particular moment.
Hi Chips, great “Rise and Shine.”
What a great picture!
G’morning Chips, TOD, lurkers, everyone, and congratulations CEB oln #1! 🙂
Thanks.
morning! Congrats, CEB….I think this makes PBO’S point perfectly.
http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/17/16572611-feds-investigate-how-suspected-white-supremacist-a-felon-obtained-arsenal?lite
Federal agents are trying to determine how a suspected Ohio white supremacist with a felony conviction for manslaughter acquired a cache of 18 assault weapons and other firearms, along with high-capacity magazines and more than 40,000 rounds of ammunition, according to federal law enforcement officials and court documents reviewed by NBC News.
The storehouse of weapons was discovered late last month when FBI agents arrested Richard Schmidt, 47, the owner of a Bowling Green sporting goods store called Spindletop Sports Zone, on charges of marketing counterfeit goods — such as football jerseys with NFL logos — from China.
Although initially portrayed as a probe into the thriving international market for counterfeit clothing, the case took a surprising turn this week when the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Cleveland unsealed search warrants and an indictment charging Schmidt with illegal possession of firearms.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed:
Crossed and squeezed tightly!
Good morning, Chips and everyone! Happy Friday before Inauguration!
Yet 47% voted for Romney in Nov – Americans are seriously bamboozled into voting against their own interests.
Tribalism and racism at work. I will lose both my eyes if other side loses one.
Humans are tribal in nature, during the civil war Robert E Lee, left to fight for the confederates army because his state VA was part of the south. So his allegiance went to his state and not the United States. Maybe groups feel more comfortable and accepted to what they know and the unknown… is well unknown :).
Good Morning good people!
That is definitely true. But then we are supposed to draw upon our other instincts to form a society and lurch forward with our best characteristics, for the common good of the larger tribe that includes all of us in the United States of America and the world at large.
Some of these people, I’m really starting to believe, got left back on the evolutionary trail as Neanderthals, while the rest of us jumped at the chance to take full advantage of being Homo Sapiens and walk upright. It’s the 21st century, so one would think the way to do that has been fully documented and planned out for ’em.
A few of the brains of these racists need to be kept on a lab shelf in jars, figuratively like Einstein’s, for further study. We’re still writing the tale of evolution of the species. Another reason to better educate our students in science. I realize it’s not just in our country, of course. All we have to do is stand upright and look around to know that.
I concur, Jackie!
Mornin’, Barb!
mornin’…yeehaw! looking forward to the big event….will post my story on what it means to me
Excellent, Barb! I’m getting superfluous negative thoughts about Repukes out of my system today, then I’ll be in happy land all weekend and through the Inaugural Balls!
I will be doing the same. Thanks for your excellent rolemodelling.
I don’t know if the lady from Wasila and their ilk want to come along and join the homo sapiens, heck she doesn’t believe in evolution, she will have to talk coherently, be knowledgeable, and take on the difficult task of knowing things like Africa is a continent and not a country and can no longer use ignorance as a badge of honor. I agree with you absolutely! The key phrase is evolution! Can you imagine religion without science?
Yes, she’ll never be the poster girl for science, that’s for sure!
It shows up in the DNA test. They can’t help it.
You are so right. Ugh.
HF, interesting that only 3% have a positive view of Boehner. Must be his family.
Yet Boehner remains speaker.I find these polls rather amusing at times.
You are right. Guess when the choice is Boehner or Cantor, ya gotta pick Boehner. Ugh.
GM folks. GM Chips.
Great story amk! 🙂
Endearing isn’t it?
“Senator Obama, I have something I want to give you,” the man said. “I’ve carried this military patch with me every day for 40 years, and I want you to carry it, and itwill keep you safe in your journey.” Obama tried to refuse, but the older man persisted.
Big endeavors can find their meaning in small moments.
Later that day, Obama and his aides discussed the encounter. The future president pulled the patch from his pocket, along with about a dozen other items people had pressed upon him.
“This is why I do this,” he said. “Because people have their hopes and dreams about what we can do together.”
Yes Indeed.These ordinary citizens are those who have the most interesting,relevant and important stories and life lessons,but they’re hardly ever featured on cable news or print media. Bravo to WaPo for telling us about Earl Smith.
But trash Obama and your face will appear on every morning, afternoon and evening news show.
🙄
Very moving piece. I remember Callie Shell’s photo of his lucky charms. Imagine all the people PBO has met and touched along the way, including many of us here!!
And we haven’t even met or touched him.
Meta and I have 🙂
Incredible MEMORIES!!
Hey amk! Who’s this “we”? LOLOL 😆 😆
I’m going for my 8th PBO handshake this weekend! 😎
I got a kiss from my Joey, so I’ve got to step up my game. (If I get a kiss from PBO, know that I will be immediately hospitalized!!)
Show-offs. You, meta and dd4o,
wimmin/smh
OMG, a kiss from Joey? Wow!
isonprize, I wouldn’t want you in the hospital, so the next time you are faced with the prospect of being kissed by PBO,why not give me a call and let me take it instead. I don’t mind spending a couple nights in the hospital….
You are such a wonderful person hopefruit2. The sacrafices we make for our fellow TOD’ers. 😆
BTW, will you be able to come down to the Mall this weekend. I WANT TO MEET YOU!!!!
LOL! Thanks Donna, I would have loved to be there and meet my fellow TODers – but I have family visiting for the weekend, so we planned to watch the inauguration on TV among other things.
We have four more years – which should give us sooooo many opportunities to meet up – I’m keeping my fingers crossed! 🙂
I touched him! I touched his elbow!—-when he was still Sen. Obama with just a gleam of the presidency in his eye. I’ve told the story before, but I was trying to get his attention to sign his book after an appearance at a community college in my area. Alas, I was no match for all the little ol’ ladies who were surrounding him and elbowed me out of the way. But it is still my claim to fame. Family still laughs about my “special relationship” with Barack Obama—–because I “touched his elbow that one time.”
Gimme an elbow, and I’d be satisfied, too. Ha! Congrats, dotster3!
seconding hopefruit! morning all!!
GM Susan.
oh this is a great story. It’s so amazing what valerie Jarrett wrote. See, you just never know how one person is going to affect you. I hope he goes to DC. sounds like he will
wonderful story. it made me feel good.
Thanks ank, this story makes me so proud of our President. He understands and works for all of us.
erg…amk
Setting up health exchanges going well-
http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/health-reform-implementation/277883-overnight-heath-
Of course the Tea parry thinks the only way now to stop this is to shut down the Government. That’s dangerous. The Republicans are all meeting at a Retreat this Weekend, at a Former Plantation.
A Former Plantation!!!
Sure that’s the only thing that needs confessing to Oprah, Mark?
Is He implying she is not well worded?
That’s a dig, no? Who does he think he is?
I don’t think that’s what he’s implying. He’s trying to spoof Lance Armstrong’s confession to Oprah of using performance enhancers, so in his case it’s dictionary for his Twitter sessions.
Oh, sometimes using 140 characters, the meaning gets lost and it becomes unclear.
I think it was a dig at Lance Armstrong, and actually a little funny.
He never ceases to amaze me in his jackassery. Look it up, Mark, in your performance-enhancing dictionary.
He should also confess by being obsessed with food, salivating all over twitter at every lunch item ordered by Obama on the campaign trail. Noticed the other day he was even focused on the food served at Lincoln’s 2nd inauguration. Food gets a disproportionate amount of attention from Knoller.
Indeed.He tweeted this yesterday about their dinner for FLOTUS’ birthday.
That’s kind of the perfect nickname for Knoller: Tater Tot.
aiyeee! just reading quickly through, before taking off for the day (good hawaii morning all!) but had to stop right here! tater tot! perfect!
You forgot about his obsession with President Obama’s golf games…
Thanks TrumpDog…
Lol…
https://twitter.com/MarketplaceGov/status/292013363154808832
Today Show just aired a segment about Pres. Obama’s reveal of his iPod playlist as he approaches his 2nd term. He has Biz Markie, Stevie Wonder, Katy Perry, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Brad Paisely. Nice line-up.
I can just imagine all those Conservatives in Virginia Plantation this weekend. In their Black top hats, sipping on a glass of lemonade, thinking about days gone by. Days gone by…
This retreat they are having to strategize about how to have unity, in light of a Government shutdown, is gross.
I agree Jovie141; The GOP is the party of Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Yet the RWNJ TPGOP, supported by the MSM, continue their strategy of obstructionism hoping for the result of President Obama’s failure.
It is frustrating (and it should be unacceptable to the people who voted for them) that they spent the past four years being against ANYTHING the President was for. It is immoral that rather than actually legislating to do some good for the country, they sat on anything that would make life better for middle income Americans.
It seems to me that in their minds the next four years should have a similar strategy. Since the goal can’t be to “keep Obama from getting a second term,” I guess the strategy is to try to overturn the progress that was made during the first term (e.g., ACA, Dream Act, Economic Recovery, etc.), or short of that, make sure he gets no credit for the positive things that are accomplished during President Obama’s administration. So once again, instead of working to make the country safer for our children and enact the proposals presented by the President, they are looking for ways to criminalize the President’s actions and looking for ways to call the Executive Orders unconstitutional. Rather than working on ways to continue to improve the economy and to (gasp) create jobs, they want to play chicken with the debt ceiling. They want to claim that the President is overstepping his bounds when he is doing his job by being the executive while they continue to shirk their duties to legislate.
Fortunately, we have a President with the intelligence and character to get things done despite the insanity. And fortunately, despite the stage given to the insanity by the MSM, most Americans and thankfully (or maybe not thankfully) the rest of the world know what the deal is as is indicated in the President’s approval ratings.
Great comment!
Good, googly, moogly! What a way to wake up in the morning — with that gorgeous man smiling back at me! ]purrrrrrrr!]
THANK YOU, Chips!!!!!!
Adore the portrait, what a great wake-up call. Exactly one month after the election victory. Nice. Printing out for by-my-desk.
Also, the Zmilitary is mad that we will not have Pre emotive Wars anymore and by virtue, large Armies. The Sequestration looks like it is going to happen, that means more emphasis in special forces\Ops and yes Drones.
The Military brass is pissed, they have egos just like Big Business.( Alpha Males)!
It’s really the civilians in charge of the military who call for war. And it’s the civilians in Congress who appropriate the funds for war and to build up the military, sometimes when the military has said they don’t need all of the funding and have spend years strategically streamlining their operations capabilities to meet actual challenges in the 21st century (which don’t always include more troops on the ground, as we’ve seen).
I recognize you’re not overgeneralizing to include all military by your use of “military brass,” but even there, there’s sanity. We stopped having a War Department in the 20th century, when the name was changed to the Department of Defense. For a whole bunch of good reasons. This, alone, is why it’s so important to make sure Bush-Cheney types never get their hands on the White House again!
good old, Mark. Just when you begin to wonder why it doesn’t stink so much, the stench makes its presence know. 🙄
Indeed…
Factor in a Democratic party that hardly stepped up in support of their Democratic President like they did for Clinton…
Instead, they joined the opposition in piling on and costing the President support by consistently bashing and denigrating him…
The story will be told some day and it won’t just be the obstructionists on the right who will be judged harshly in our history books…
Well said, Chi.
What’s with these rich assholes?
https://twitter.com/NJedwina/status/292256675371548672
And we liberal patrons are the mainstay of Whole foods and its huge success…
The bloody CEO has bitten the very hands that feed him too often and the time has come to completely boycott Whole Foods…
Unfortunately, the people who will suffer are the poor workers who have no control over the rabid nuttiness and unbelievable greed of the jerk CEO…
Saw him on TV saying something like he’s changed his mind about using “fascism,” because it reminds people of Hitler and “I guess in this country, you can’t use the word fascism.” FREEDOM, as meta tweeted. Oh, and: Profits. Greed. Stuff like that.
They want to get richer, and they want to ensure the poor get zero resources – it is a disease
You know I shop at my coop or whatever store is having a special. Whole Foods is pricey and I rarely go there but you can believe I won’t be shopping there for anything at anytime now.
Whole Foods is overpriced crap. Now I have to tell my friend not to shop there anymore. 🙄
The only thing I go there for is cheese. They have a great cheese department and are willing to cut small chunks for a single person on a budget. Oh well.
Does anyone have more information about the Obama Legacy Conference this Sunday? I thought we were supposed to get information about a livestream or something?? Anyone else get that email a couple of weeks ago? Jim Messina says “stay tuned” but it’s getting close!!
Good Morning Meta!
They are so blasted behind on everything so you will probably not get it until today or tomorrow. 4000 volunteers will be on hand with some surprise guests dropping by during the day. I’m thinking the two David’s may come by. PBO will be taking his oath on Sunday so I doubt it will be him. Here is the agenda:
9:00 am Welcome and 2012 Debrief
10:00 am Next Steps for the OFA Movement
11:00 am Break
11:30 am Special Guest Presentation ****This is probably when they will live feed***
12:15 pm Lunch
1:45 pm Workshop Block 1
2:45 pm Break
3:15 pm Workshop Block 2
4:15 pm Break
4:45 pm What’s Next
5:30 pm Conference Debrief
5:45 pm Conference Concludes
6:00 pm Optional Professional Development Sessions
I hope this helps you to plan your day 🙂
Will this be televised?
Probably not. Your best hope is for the live-feed that Meta spoke of in her comment. I’ll go back and check my email to see if it says anything about televising this.
Thanks so much, awesome chica!!
Great suit, shirt and tie combo.
I see that CBS/NYT via Mark Knoller very predictably came out with their trusted poll to tell us that PBO dropped 9pts in approval since December (snort), and that he is the 2nd to lowest in approvals among the last four 2-term presidents at the same in their Presidency.
Ah, right before the inauguration and during the gun control debate, we can rely on the MSM to eagerly do their GOP corporate master’s bidding to try to tear down our President. But they will NOT succeed.
Good job going after him.
Thanks meta for your support. I think it’s important that we continue to push back heavily on these MSM cretins with their disinformation campaigns. The dishonest and racist media is a HUGE reason for PBO’s current approvals – which would be in the 60-70 range otherwise.
Yeah, I saw your recent post about this and I thought it was SPOT ON. Never seen anything like it.
as the last election has shown us, polls don’t matter. They are just ginned up numbers with skewed questions, asked of a population that doesn’t truly represent the American public. NBC and all the rest can go suck it.
HF, no matter what they say or how many bogus polls they put out, no body is going to remember and it won’t change one immutable fact and that is that President Barack H Obama was re-elected to a second term with an overwhelming majority, one of the great achievements in history. I’m sure PBO regards the CBS/NYT play as just another speck to flick off his shoulder while he polishes his second inaugural speech.
Well-said jackie. 🙂
I thought the polls before and on Nov 6 we were told over and over again about a certain man called Mitt yes Mitt was going to win the election to the extent he delayed our celebrations on Nov 6 by a couple of hours because he had to write a concession speech. Can you tell I am not working today 🙂
Ignore the CBS/NYT poll…
It’s obvious there was a whole lot of manipulation going on to fit a desired narrative…
They even drastically dropped Mrs Obama’s numbers even though her unfavorables are the lowest ever…
They do this very dubious, tricky thing where they lump a whole lot of people in a ‘no opinion’ category and don’t count those …
Meanwhile, can I just say that the First Lady looks just breathtakingly beautiful with this new haircut…
Oh my God…
That picture yesterday did not do it or her any justice…
Watching her in the video was just mesmerizing…
She is stunning…
And that skin and gorgeous, beautiful eyes that have this innocent, vulnerable thing about them…
Too gorgeous for words…
[cough, cough] Former constitutional law professor…
Hannity looked like he was going to cry…
He stuttered and was quite thrown for a loop when Mukasey didn’t play along…
It was too funny…
But you know, from what I’ve heard between 70 – 80% of NRA members think that gun laws should be tightened. Every time LaPierre opens his mouth it just pushes that entire organization over into Fringe Land. Now they are a meaningless shell that carries little weight. It’s up to the elected officials to realize that.
You’s be fringing too, if you had the right to sell all the surplus weapons and supplies from the military. You read that right. The NRA gets surplus goods from the military (free of charge) which they sell to surplus outlets. They even receive grants from the DoD, under the guise that they train young people in marksmanship skills. That is one way military grade weapons hit our streets.
You’ve got to be kidding…
No wonder…
Links por favor! I’m not doubting your word I just crave more info in my crusade against gun violence. Gracias!
morning all you O’s! how goes it on yet another great getting up day on planet TOD!!! I’m watching Washington Journal on CSPAN and the guest is Politifact. The person is giving the final report on promises kept by PBO during his 1st term. They were amazed that he kept 72% of his promises. Remarkable, they say since under the circumstance of such obstruction he faced. Also, the fact that his over 500 promises were so specific, not just general, many politicians, where if a piece of it was done they could take credit for the whole thing as having been accomplished. They also admit many of the promises he didn’t keep were due to the ‘Pubs. Interesting….
Good news off of C-Span. Good news!
A frigging professor, no less. Guess innate racism cannot be overcome by money, education or culture.
As we’ve observed among many highly educated and wealthy folks in the media and elsewhere who have serious problems with this President…
Intelligence is not the same as wisdom or discernment as for wealth, there are all sorts of way to make it and some make it burning everything in their path and selling their soul.
Correct!
Indeed…
My Gov’s birthday is today – another great one born in Jan!!
Happy Birthday to one of the Best Governor’s in the Nation!
I thought you’d be showing up, Donna! Love the way Stephanie frames her message – first that Gov. O’Malley is a “great supporter of President Obama’s.” Stef should comment on TOD!
You never know…
She’s probably any one us…
Hi, Stef! 🙂
Happy birthday, Gov. Martin! My Gov too, HF!
I am sure Jefferson Ibama will tear apart Ny Times/CBS poll crosstabs. That said, the Praident enacts tough gun control measures, which poll very well, and he drops 9 points???
Makes no sense!
Jovie, it’s a bogus way to try to undermine enthusiasm just as many of the polls we agonized over during the election. They’re becoming so obvious in their shenanigans, that it’s just hard to take them seriously anymore. The only poll that mattered occurred on November 6.
Fucking iPhone!
LOL @ Ibama 🙂 I guess your iPhone wants Obama to now be iBama. Very well then.
Jovie, nothing about the media makes sense. SSDD: it’s the same s***, different day, or rather, different term.
This is not going to end well – guess someone is sadly going to learn the hard way
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/01/18/newly-hired-school-guard-leaves-unattended-handgun-in-student-bathroom/
Nothing the rw promotes ever ends well.
THIS. http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2013/01/bending-arc-towards-sanity.html
I’m off to work. GM TOD. Happy Friday
Thanks, df. The full article she quotes from is excellent. One of the most appreciative of PBO’s attempts to find common ground with everyone that I’ve ever read: http://m.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2013/01/obamas-gun-pulpit.html
President Barack Obama’s remaining campaign apparatus will relaunch Sunday as a tax-exempt group to support his second term agenda, a senior Democrat familiar with the plans confirms to POLITICO. The new organization will be separate from the Democratic National Committee. Obama’s 2012 campaign manager Jim Messina will be the national chair of the group. Read the full story –
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/01/obama-campaign-to-relaunch-as-tax-exempt-group-86375.html?hp=t1
Oh. I bet it’s gotta do with this email I got from Jim Messina (ha! that I got! that sounds funny). Anyhoo. here it is:
Since you went above and beyond to support the campaign, I wanted you to be the first to know: Today, we’re launching Organizing for Action, the next phase of this movement.
It will be a supporter-driven organization, as we’ve always been, staying true to our core principles: “respect, empower, include.” We’ll work on the key battles of our generation, train the next generation of grassroots organizers and leaders, and organize around local issues in our own communities. We’ll continue to support the President in creating jobs and growing the economy from the middle out, and in fighting for issues like immigration reform, climate change, balanced deficit reduction, and reducing gun violence.
We have a remarkable opportunity right now to change our country, and if we can take the enthusiasm and passion that people showed throughout the campaign and channel it into the work ahead of us, we will be unstoppable.
As the chair of Organizing for Action, I will be deeply involved in this new organization, but it will be supporters like you who will determine where it goes. I have no doubt we can take this grassroots movement to new and extraordinary heights.
I’m excited for this next step — and I’m glad to have you with us.
Stay tuned,
Messina
Jim Messina
Chair
Organizing for Action
Do you think this is what they’re talking about? I bet it is. How exciting!
I got the same email!
YIPPEE!!! It’s Inauguration Weekend! They came and remove all the public mailboxes and trash cans down here in this area yesterday. They are into serious security for this event.
The city is looking mighty spiffy but come prepared for very cold weather. Last weekend it was 60 degrees but just in time for the big day it drops to the 30’s 😦
I’m taking the subway metro over to the National Mall today at lunch and hope to send Chips some pictures later today.
Neat! Dress warm lady! 😀
Hi Donna, the atmosphere in the City is underlying electric excitement, I tell ya! It’s contagious! 🙂
Oh Donna!! I’m so envious of you right now. Wish I could be there.
Back in a while!
{{GASP}} OH MY GOD!!!! SHE’S SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! Gah!!!! Thanks, Chips! oooooh! I really missed her!
Hi lisa, I agree, FLOTUS is “BEAUTIFUL”.
OMG she is so filled with passion for what we can do under PBO’s leadership and a stunningly beautiful woman!
With all do respect…that is one FINE 49 year old woman. I think I have a girl crush!!
donna, she doesn’t look 49. Yesterday when the picture was first shown someone said she looks 29. It must have been the trip to Hawaii or something our President is doing. Just kidding guys, I shouldn’t have said that. 🙂
Fantastic initiative. The work goes on indeed and I for one am ready for the second term and implementing more positive change and policies.
The hair-do is even more gorgeous on film. She is beautiful.
You know, the astonishing thing is that on top of everything else he must confront, PBO is simultaneously working on building an enduring Democratic legacy for the future. I’m sure he doesn’t want to see all his hard work undone but more than that, he’s always thinking strategically about how to make this a true democracy. LOVE him, LOVE him, LOVE him.
She took my breath away…
She looks incredible…
A well-loved woman…
That hairstyle is seriously CUTE.
Good morning TOD family,
I’m not going to let Mark Knoller spoil our Inauguration weekend. I have always disliked polls – not because of what they claim, but because of what they do to distort and discourage. I am so grateful to Chips for having this wonderful site where I can follow the President on a daily basis. I take my own “poll” by looking carefully at the reactions of the people around the President. Their smiles and their body language tell a very different story. A story of respect, of understanding and yes, a story of love.
It may be true that President Obama has faced more hostility and even hatred than most Presidents – some of which can be traced to unresolved issues of racism and some of which is pushback from those who feel threatened by the President’s unwavering support of America’s working families over the modern robber barons. But overall, I cannot remember any President who was more admired and loved by the people. Have you ever heard shouts of “I love you” as many times as we heard it at candidate Obama’s rallies? Have you ever seen so many people embracing a President with that expression of deep feeling? President Obama cares for the people he serves, and the vast majority of the people know it and they respect him and love him back. There is no carefully manufactured “poll” that will convince me otherwise. So go away, Mark Knoller, I am getting ready to see my President sworn in for his second term and I will support him and fight along with him in his continuing struggle to perfect our Union.
Amen!
+2. I strongly recommend that we do not let these corrupt fuckers ruin our wonderful upcoming days.
No, we don’t need to know what these idjits are saying.
Please let us not forget alot of these same darn polls had President Obama losing the election. Like you I have had it up to here with polls. The President have a job to do, if the Republicans want to help, they are welcome, if not then get the hell out of the way. That goes for the sorry ass media too. We must continue to do whatever we can to help POTUS.
I’m going to write my Congressman today about the gun control proposals POTUS put forth Tuesday. And I want to get a letter to the Democratic Senators who seem to be dragging their feet.
You’re right hgerhard. Nothing Mark Knoller says will ever prevent my enjoyment and excitement for this Inauguration! I just think it’s important to let these fools know that we’re on to their BS, and won’t allow their crap to deter us in our support and admiration of our President. I truly believe that heavy pushback (via Twitter, Blogs, etc) on false and manufactured MSM memes contributed in part to PBO’s success in Nov 2012.
President Barack Obama’s portrait looks very nice.
he’s really smoking! He gets better with age, which I never thought was possible given how hot he was 8/9 years ago. {{le sigh}}
I look forward to seeing their official portraits in 2017 and that they will hang in the WH forever.
OT. One of my random thoughts. So glad the lovely Sheryl Crow got away from Lance Armstrong. Didn’t watch Oprah’s interview, but saw snippets & read a little bit in the news. Aghast. Ghastly! The man, not Oprah. Not sure if I can watch Part 2.
It was Lance Armstrong that ditched poor Sheryl Crow. But I agree with you that she was lucky to have gone and repaired her life without such a pathological liar being associated with her.
Frankly, I must be one of the few that just Never liked Armstrong. I believed the French from day one that Lance Armstrong was doping. And when Karma comes calling this time, the guy would get his due.
Then Ms. Crow still was bless either way.
He isn’t in her life.
Agreed. I said so too.
Hi Nena, sometimes when you’re dumped, you just plain got away! 🙂
Yes, indeed. Christine.
Is cole’s balloon-juice down today ? I keep getting site error.
I think it’s down — can’t get to it either.
Thanks xtine. Cole said he was planning some site upgrades. May be this is it ? 🙂
“The arc of the universe may be long, but the advance of common sense actually can take place very quickly. And if it bends toward justice, or simple sanity, it is because people bend it. What we are seeing may be the first signs of a nation deciding, at last, to bend back.” — Adam Gopnik
.
http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2013/01/bending-arc-towards-sanity.html
.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2013/01/obamas-gun-pulpit.html
Algerian rescue mission is just not great. How many were killed? They refused any help. UK PM was just not happy, neither was Penetta, the French, etc.
Yup. The algerian army totally effed up this. Japanese are furious too.
[Update @ 10:35am ET]:
The White House has issued a statement saying that Barack Obama is getting regular updates on the situation, and is in constant communication with David Cameron and others, CNN reports.
The US is in the process of evacuating the site of Americans, the channel says.
.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2013/jan/18/algeria-hostage-crisis-ongoing-says-foreign-office-live-updates
[Smartypants 🙂 ]:
[…..] Back in 2009 Republicans were grinning like cheshire cats when the loonies showed up at town hall meetings to decry the fact that the Kenyan Muslim was giving us socialized health care. They fanned the flames and rode that horse all the way to sweeping victories in the 2010 midterms.
Now that crazy chicken is coming home to roost. And they’re not going to let them get away with being reasonable.
I have zero advice for ya fellas. You brought this one on yourselves and you’re going to have to figure a way out on your own too.
Meanwhile, its quite a hoot thinking about Paul Ryan (yes, THAT Paul Ryan) having to talk the lunatics down. […..]
.
http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2013/01/hoist-on-their-own-petard.html
LOL! No way! 🙂
🙂 🙂 :))
That would be my brave brood, that’s for sure. Of course, all three of my pups wouldn’t equal the size of this big guy.
Anyone know the story behind the “Petoskey stone”? I’ve been to Petoskey, Mi., beautiful area in northern Mi., summer visit preferred. 🙂
Thanks to wikipedia
“A Petoskey stone is a rock and a fossil, often pebble-shaped, that is composed of a fossilized coral, Hexagonaria percarinata.[1] The stones were formed as a result of glaciation, in which sheets of ice plucked stones from the bedrock, grinding off their rough edges and depositing them in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and the northwestern (and some in the northeastern) portion of Michigan’s lower peninsula. In some areas of Michigan, complete fossilized coral colony heads can be found.
Petoskey stones are found in the Gravel Point Formation of the Traverse Group. They are fragments of a coral reef that was originally deposited during the Devonian period. [1] When dry, the stone resembles ordinary limestone but when wet or polished using lapidary techniques, the distinctive mottled pattern of the six-sided coral fossils emerges. It is sometimes made into decorative objects. Other forms of fossilized coral are also found in the same location.
In 1965, it was named the state stone of Michigan.”
hee, hee AMK …and good morning to you, too! (at least in this part of the world it’s still morning)
The genius Pete Souza has added more photos to the December collection. They’re great.
I like our team. Transparency is the word of the day for them.
GM Chipsticks, TOD. Not sure if this video has been posted hope not!
WONDERFUL, lovelyplains. Thanks for the post!
Tears of joy and pride are in my eyes. I just love how our president sees us and loves us; he is a public servant in the truest sense of the term. I am so thankful that enough of us saw his character and fought to bring him and us through to a 2nd term. Brighter days are ahead and we are so blessed to see and to be a part of making it happen. We have a champion who understands that when we “respect, empower, and include” people, incredible things happen. I’ll bet all of those who looked upon PBO with derision for being a community organizer now realize what a powerful position this is. Our president has been community organizing our country and much of the world for the past four years and I am looking forward to him doing so to even greater heights for the next four.
I LOVE the new presidential portrait — even better than the first, IMHO. He wears the presidency oh so well!
If we believe that stupid other Senator from Kentucky, it’s King Obama. And Queen Michelle. 🙂
Rand Paul said Obama is trying to be a King.
Hahahahahahahahahahaha! I’d be the first in line to buy it.
Hahahahahahahaha. This parody account is hilarious. It mocks Cornel West and Tavis Smiley for their petty grudge against Pres. Obama and their poverty pimp tour/hustle.
Our cool Mr. Bill Burton is moving on up:
https://twitter.com/metaquest/status/292286079418105857?uid=149283816&iid=am-18336062913585224585452898&nid=6+275
Ooops, let’s try this:
[Hello! LOL!]:
“We will raise the debt ceiling. We’re not going to default on our debt,” Cornyn told the Houston Chronicle editorial board.
and his pocket abacus to do his amazing number crunching.
[Now I know why I liked actor Olivia Wilde! After that NRA ad …]:
Wilde rages, “I would like to take this opportunity to tell the NRA to go (explicit) themselves.”
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http://blog.chron.com/celebritybuzz/2013/01/stars-blast-nra-after-new-campaign/
She’s a great progressive, who actually believes in, you know, working for progress instead of whining about perfection.
Tweeted it! Thanks!
Good morning TOD family and Chips. I’m so excited. I can hardly wait for the re-inauguration. I won’t be able to attend, I will be watching on TV. I did get an e-mail asking to join my neighbors, make new friends, honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, and get ready for the inauguration. I wish all you TODbots going to the re-inauguration the best time ever.
Enjoy
Everyone have a nice day 🙂
[Steve Benen on Rubio! 🙂 ]:
Can someone remind me why the political world expects voters to take this guy seriously as a national leader?
During his tenure in Washington, his most notable legislative accomplishment has been sponsoring “a resolution designating September 2011 as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month.” Rubio hopes to build on this record by copying President Obama’s immigration policy.
His breakthrough moment in 2012 came when he seemed troubled by a question on how old the planet is, which came on the heels of Rubio arguing that George W. Bush “did a fantastic job” as president.
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http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2013/01/18/16585155-a-low-standard-for-a-rising-star
I sent Rubio an email, I call him Mitt Romney Jr. If he think he is going to be President, he might as well give up on that thought. The Tea Party nuts alone can’t elect him and people are not falling for Rubio and his lies.
He is terribly unimpressive and so intellectually and physically stunted…
He’s like an adolescent boy playing grown-up in his daddy’s suit…
WORCESTER — Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray will not run for governor in 2014, citing the demands of campaigning, serving in elected office and his desire to spend more time with his wife and two young daughters.
“I’ve decided that I am not going to run for governor,” the former Worcester mayor told the Telegram & Gazette this morning, ending speculation among many and hope among his supporters that he would try to succeed Gov. Deval L. Patrick next year. […..]
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http://www.telegram.com/article/20130118/NEWS/130119586
LOL! ABC News is dying to know what the Sasha & Malia will wear on Inauguration day.
Me too!!! Remember the bright colors of their First inaugural outfits? I was wondering if they will go bright or more teen contemporay. I am beyond being embarassed about my interest in all thngs visual and Obama related. Still impressed with FLOTUS bangs.
That is not to say that I am not totally monitoring all our policy moves. Beyond thrilled at new OFA.
So much for the DNC demanding our list.
‘…That is not to say that I am not totally monitoring all our policy moves…’
You’re so funny Vicki…
It’s really okay to care about everything from what our gorgeous First Lady and the girls will be wearing to the President’s policy initiatives…
But…but…but…I thought the news media said no one was interested in Pres. Obama’s second inauguration?
The fashion designers sure are excited (among others)!
http://fashionista.com/2013/01/designers-keen-on-dressing-sasha-and-malia-obama-for-the-inauguration/
They tried that for a while but gave up once they realized nobody was really listening to them…
For the past week, the local stations here have been highlighting every night different families and people headed to the inauguration…
Even the procrastinators still scrambling trying to make airline reservations to fly out as late as Sunday night…
It’s interesting watching Californians show off all their newly purchased thermal underwear and warm clothing to media allowed into their homes to film them pack for their trip…
Fun times…
Yes the excitement is definitely there! Even Mother Nature is going to be on her best behavior and keep the rain/snow at bay for that weekend. And there won’t be that kind of excitement in 2017 (unless PBO gets re-elected to a third term).
The people at FOX need to see this.
It won’t make on bit of difference to those folks over there at Fox. They probably already know about. They will just ignore it and go on blaming President Obama for everything. What did the Fox people have to say about the President saying that their Lord and Saviour Ronald Reagen supported assault weapon ban.
We really need to plaster this photo everywhere. it’s not just about children for policy advocacy, it serves to remind everyone that the RWNJ’s want all the embryos in a petrie dish to be born, but couldn’t care less about first graders being slaughtered.
I tuned into the view this morning and groaned when I saw Bill O’Reilly was the guest but I’m having fun watching it because Tom Arnold is guest hosting and he is kicking O’Reilly’s ass about everything from his revisionist history of Lincoln, his ridiculous assault weapons stance, torture, Bill O’Reilly denying that he and his station never said Hillary was faking her concussion and blood clot. It’s nice to see someone not pander to the crazy that spews from O’Reilly.
And the audience cheered and applauded after Walters read Obama’s gun proposals. Agree Tom Arnold was a hoot, pimping BillO after every dumb comment. ‘So, your Lincoln book is like the Lincoln movie, only funnier?”
Rosanne Barr’s Tom Arnold? Whoa…..
My question is why would the View have such a lying lowlife like Elisabeth, I meant to say O’Reilly on their show
[I feel a comedy skit in here, somewhere! Calling Stephen Colbert!]:
Byron York: “The purpose of the House Republican retreat, now going on in Williamsburg, Va., is to help GOP lawmakers come to terms with just how weak they are. Even though the party controls the House, the talk in some quarters at Williamsburg is of adopting a ‘minority mentality’ to oppose President Obama’s initiatives the way Republicans did when they were in an even weaker position in 2009. By doing so, the thinking goes, the GOP might be able to rebuild itself after last November’s devastating losses.”
“The problem is, if Republicans are asked what they can reasonably expect to accomplish in the next six months, after a variety of fights with the president, they don’t have an answer. What would constitute an achievable victory? They don’t really know.”
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http://politicalwire.com/archives/2013/01/18/gop_seeks_strength_through_weakness.html
Am I reading this right? They’re now going after some kind of sympathy vote?
Which is why I’m so grateful the President isn’t giving in to demands that he turn his hard-won database over to the DNC…
If they need anything they’ll just have to go through OFA…
DNC, as in the group that stood on the sidelines and didn’t do or say a goddamn thing whenever President Obama was being attacked by the Republican Party?
Yep, that DNC. They are parasites and I am glad that once again, PBO is going his own way. OFA exists because of him; we are not a parcel to be handed off to anyone who asks.
[Oh my! I hope this is televised in full!]:
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South African singing sensation Lira says she will dedicate a Zulu love song to United States President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, when she performs at Monday’s inaugural ball in Washington D.C.
Lira says she is blown away by the invitation. She told South African talk show host Redi Tlhabi her career has “gone way beyond my wildest dreams … I’m extremely excited, it blows my mind.”
On Talk Show Radio 702 this week Lira promised to dedicate a song of her own composition called “Ngiyazifela” to America’s first couple. “It talks about being so in love with one’s partner and I think Michelle and Obama are such an inspiring couple, I just want to pay a tribute to that.” Ngiyazifela is Zulu slang for being madly in love.
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Article at: http://thegrio.com/2013/01/18/south-african-singer-lira-dedicating-zulu-love-song-to-obamas/
Total coolness!
There is so much intelligent, authentic, grounded, inspired, powerful, constructive action arising from the President’s leadership
that I am starting to realize just how frigging depressed and oppressed and without hope we have all
been for soooooooooooooooooooooo long. But the genie is OUT of the bottle and there’s no putting
him or us back in there. New Wine: New Skins. I am off to play with my grandchildren. Back in the evening
to chatch up with everything and everybody.
Love you all. xoxox
I was thinking and feeling the same way when i saw that picture of GWB up thread. I marvel at how we suffered (and many died) for eight long years. I almost get sick to my stomach whenever I see shrub’s face. So thankful that we have been delivered from that awful time.
House GOP looks to tie passage of budget to debt-limit increase
Russell Berman
01/18/13 12:16 PM ET
House Republicans are moving toward a short-term plan that would be conditional upon Senate Democrats passing a budget. …
A must see Chipstick you have to work your magic and embed. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45755883/ns/msnbc-the_last_word/#50502480
https://twitter.com/NJedwina/status/292330280776265728
I love this cover!
Ditto.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar finalized a plan Friday that sets aside 192,100 acres of public land in Arizona for solar energy.
“This project is a key milestone in our work to spur smart development of solar and wind energy on public lands across the West. Arizona has huge potential when it comes to building a clean energy economy, and this landscape-level plan lays a solid foundation for making sure that it happens in the right way and in the right places,” Salazar said in a Friday statement.
The plan also established the 2,250-acre Agua Caliente Solar Energy Zone, which is part of an Obama administration initiative to fast-track solar projects in six Western states.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/278005-interior-finalizes-arizona-solar-energy-plan
Love Ken Salazar and his good works (and the way he loves PBO!) …
KS is one of my favorite people as well for these very reason. Plus, he’s kinda cute in a nerdy, earnest way. I even sent him an email awhile back to thank him for his incredible service. Just think; a few years ago our guys were #’s 99 and 100 in the Senate, but look at them now. Even with all of our challenges as a nation, it is still, only in America that this is possible.
Well said! 🙂
Because there is never too much Miche
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/michelle-obama-hair-bangs-lady-debuts-hairstyle-49th-18247195
My First Lady looks fabulous in those new bangs! I so look forward to seeing her on Monday 🙂
Me too, HF! me too!! 😆
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/01/16/newtown-reaction-obama-guns/1840295/
Nicest couple ever: even more than JFK and Jackie imho. Michelle looks stunningly beautiful with new hairdo. She isn’t aging, she is growing more spectacular and blossoming every year . I think PBO looks exceedingly distinguished and as someone noted above, I agree that he wears the mantle of office with grace and elegance.
PBO has a more regal, statesman-like appearance in this official photo compared to his 2008 photo.
I have a question. Chips identifies this photo as “President Barack Obama is photographed during a presidential portrait sitting for an official photo in the Oval Office, Dec. 6, 2012.” This may not be his official portrait, just his traveling photo, perhaps? Usually, the official portrait is a head and shoulders shot, so it can be framed and placed in all federal buildings, among other uses.
During his first term, I was already a federal retiree. But the first time I went into a federal building, I right away checked the lobby for his portrait. When I saw it hanging brightly on the wall, I stood there for a few minutes, smiling, taking it all in. Was considering lighting a candle in front of it, like it were a shrine, but thought the other people would cart me away, so I moved on. But I also looked back over my shoulder at it, a couple of times! Ha!
I don’t want to rush the next four years in any way, but I thought this morning that our future President Joey Biden will be inviting the Obamas to the White House after their departure back into civilian life, for the unveiling of their official portraits – which will hang in the White House for all time. Sob. Sob.
I did the same thing when I accompanied my sis to VA hospital for an appointment in 09. First thing we did was go find the picture and stood there grinning and giggling and crying for a few minutes. I’m tearing up now remembering that feeling. Others walked up and did the same thing. Man, that was great!
It’s STILL great!!!!
Chat away, back in a while:
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/01/18/chat-away-106/