President Obama stops to look at the Treasury during his tour of the ancient city of Petra.
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President Barack Obama walks with Suleiman al-Farajat, a tourism professor at the University of Jordan, past an ancient shrine during his walking tour of Petra.
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President Barack Obama participates in a walking tour with Suleiman al-Farajat, a tourism professor at the University of Jordan, in Petra
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All posts from the Middle East trip here
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Lloyd Austin to Lead U.S. Central Command
General Lloyd Austin became the first African-American to lead the U.S. Central Command, which has a wide-ranging area of responsibility for 20 countries in the Middle East and southwest Asia. His appointment is effective immediately.
During the change of command ceremony today, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said, “General Austin brings to this position combat experience gained on the unforgiving battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. He has commanded some of the Army’s most storied formations, including the 82nd Airborne and 10th Mountain Divisions, as well as the 18th Airborne Corps…With his calm demeanor, strategic vision, regional experience and knowledge, and proven judgment – and with the love and support of Charlene and their children – I am confident General Austin is prepared to lead this command at a time of dramatic change, challenge, and turmoil in its area of responsibility.”
More here
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The numbers prove it: The GOP is estranged from America
Andrew Kohut: While there are no catchy phrases for the Republicans of 2013, their image problems are readily apparent in national polls. The GOP has come to be seen as the more extreme party, the side unwilling to compromise or negotiate seriously to tackle the economic turmoil that challenges the nation. The Republican Party’s ratings now stand at a 20-year low, with just 33 percent of the public holding a favorable view of the party and 58 percent judging it unfavorably, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. Although the Democrats are better regarded (47 percent favorable and 46 percent unfavorable), the GOP’s problems are its own, not a mirror image of renewed Democratic strength.
More here
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The GOP’s Three Fiscal Lies
Michael Tomasky: The first is this canard that we have to balance the budget. Absurd. There is no reason to balance the budget. None. Ever. Oh, it’s nice if it happens—that is, if it happens as a result of an economy that’s shooting skyward like a bottle rocket, as Bill Clinton’s was. That’s something to feel good about. It was an astonishing accomplishment for Clinton, that he brought us into surplus for that brief golden age before George W. Bush and his advisers, those secret agents of world communism, started destroying American capital. But there is no need for a balanced budget. High deficits of the sort we’ve had since the meltdown are unsustainable over the long-term because they’ll require that too much money be spent servicing the debt. So that would be a problem.
However, the deficit has already fallen (since 2009) from 10 percent of GDP to 7 percent, and it’s falling even more. It’s probably headed down to 4 percent of GDP. That’s fine. It’s going to be fine. Provided: the economy comes back strongly. And this brings us to the second key point. What would help a still struggling economy come back strongly? A little boost, obviously. A little—dare I say it!—stimulus. A modest infrastructure program. The one thing that will hurt the economy, serious economists agree? Austerity. Austerity slows the economy down. Ask David Cameron. Well, he might not tell the truth. So don’t ask him. But ask most Britons.
More here
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The Obama Diary 
Good Morning All.
Congrats JER! 😀
congrats JER – thank you UT for a morning feast of pictures and news
Good Morning TODers! I am proud of the successes of President Obama’s Middle East Trip.
I continue to be thankful for the treasure who is our President.
Good morning.
Great job, UT.
I caught it on the news that POTUS was on his way back to the White House.
I thought he would stop in Afghanistan…
Maybe he will stop there. Cancelled the Germany stop:
UT, another Fabulous Rise and Shine! 🙂
G’morning UT, Chips, TOD, lurkers, everyone, and congrats JER, swb, and mariele for 1st-place tie! 🙂
Thanks UT for these beautiful pics and wonderful round-up!
What, no SS detail with him ?
You can bet your last dollar the SS is some where near by.
I hope he left the press behind to catch a bus home
What do you mean a bus, let the press walk home.
the SS detail are dressed in casual outfits – just like POTUS.
written reports indicate that the site was closed to tourists & that it was swarming with armed guards.
Good West Coast morning…again. Just as I finish typing…the new thread posted. Thanks UT. Congts JER on first!
Morning! Thanks for this R/S UT…and congrats to JER for being 1st this wonderful Saturday morning:) Just woke up, having my coffee and trying to actually wake up….good to be on Spring break!!
Me too!
GM, Desertflower and Besty, enjoy your Spring Break. I have those memories of those precious days. Take in all of the rest and beauty of your time. Love you dear ones. Thanks for all that you do for our beautiful future of wonderful young people. ((((Lots of rest for both of you))))HZ
Spring Break, running into the Easter weekend? Nice, Desertf, Betsy, Maryl and other other U S teachers! Enjoy! Hope you didn’t give any SP assignments that will then greet you on your return?
I guess this means the competition for first will be sharper this week with all the teachers putting on their jogging shoes, muscling up, and joining in. 😀
Happy 3rd birthday to OBAMACARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/03/22/1759831/obamacare-three-years-americans/
Yay for Obamacare which is helping so many Americans! We will all have to pitch in and help enroll people this fall when the sign-ups for the exchanges start. Let’s pledge to get educated to help guide folks through the process so they don’t miss out. OFA will have trainings for us in every state over the summer. You might even want to attend an ACA anniversary event this weekend. You’re all invited to my house in Portland, OR Sunday at 3 if you can make it for carrot cake and brainstorming! 🙂
GM, Judith. Thanks for your dedication and beautiful work for helping us move forward with ACA. Enjoy your lovely day on Sunday. That is very nice to share in that manner. Thanks for all that you do.HZ
Dear HZ – wish I could have you here in Portland, OR for the party!
Judith, thank you for your lovely thoughts. I do believe we would have so much fun as well. I love that part of the country. My dearest friend lives in WA. Beautiful indeed. HZ
Morning!
Weekly Address: Helping Protect Our Kids by Reducing Gun Violence
Good morning TOD family, Chips and our wonderful UT!!!!! What a great Rise and Shine!Petra is one place I would like to go. This trip has once again proved what a great President we have. I do feel so privileged to be alive while he is President and to be a part of this very special community! Now I have to go back and catch up on all the speeches and press conferences.
Thank you all for all the great links and commentary.
Hi mtmarilyn. I have missed you. It is so nice to be up early and to see all of you. You words are so beautiful and so true. I feel the same about our beautiful gift, our President.
Thanks so much Chips, and to our UT. This is such a wonderful wake up to behold him in this setting. Thank you, Mr. President for being so wonderful as our President. We are enjoying living this history with you, Mr. President.HZ
“Video- Real Time: Bill Maher Battles Conservative Panelist Over GOP Hypocrisy, Calls American People ‘Morons’”
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2013/03/23/video-real-time-bill-maher-battles-conservative-panelist-over-gop-hypocrisy-calls-american-people-morons/
Who is the moron supporting Ryan’s budget? Bill got it right where he is concerned. He looks and sounds like someone on a sit com
He is a Republican spokesperson, flunky, who often appears on Tweety’s show.
Thanks Bill – I haven’t seen him before
Bill is “wishy-washy” just like Chris Matthews. “Head Start doesnt work”! Is he crazy? That is simply not true! Panel did not challenge him bec they are intimidated by him.
Congratulations to JER and Swbluega! You both tied for first place.
Now that is a great prize UT!
Thanks UT. This is a magnificent award. 😀
Did anyone catch any of Chris Hayes show this morning. I know I usually don’t watch it but when I was turning the channel I saw they were discussing President Obama trip to Israel, and right away some of the panel were lying about what the President did or didn’t say. Some woman name Noura Erakat / Georgetown lied when she said POTUS didn’t mention the kind of difficult life the Palestine live, to his credit Hayes corrected her, then there was this guy name Rashid Khalidi, I could not listen to to much of them cause I could tell it was going to be anti-Obama, so I turn the channel.
Chris Hayes’ shows always seem to have a high level of Obama-bashing, which is why I think he’s been promoted to prime time. This is why I don’t watch Chris Hayes morning show, and I have absolutely no intention of wasting an hour of my evening listening to misinformation and negativity in the evening. The beauty is that I’m getting time back to do other stuff.
Once again, our President makes history!
Thank you for those great pictures, UT. I’m astounded at how quickly you got them and posted them.
Petra is on my bucket list too…..as someone else upthread said…..I think the president’s word “Spectacular” suits it.
So glad to see our President looking relaxed this morning, and getting to be a tourist for a change. He worked SO hard this week, and now SOS Kerry takes over for diplomatic work. A good solid foundation has been laid.
You TOD’ers are freaking fantastic! I just received a message from WordPress today that since I began helping Chipsticks out by uploading posts, I have gotten over 101 Likes. 101!!!!! My jaw dropped. Thank you, thank you thank you so much for the wonderful feedback to my posts. It is humbly appreciated.
Thank you. 😀
Here’s the 102nd like!!! Thanks a gazillion UT, another gem of a Rise and Shine, MASSIVELY appreciated!
I’ll be back a little later with a ‘bits n pieces’ post, thank you SOOOOOOOOOO much again!
So blog tyrant, how were the nightmares ?
Rascal 🙂
Is there any other kind to have fun ? 🙂
no 🙂
There you go.
They were creepy scary Amk, woke up several times through the night screaming loudly after seeing visions of outrageous things posted by you, eg wimmin jokes.
But, so far, you’re being quite good.
Is this the calm before the storm?
You’ll never know. Keep your toes curled. Or is it crossed. I never know with wimmin.
And you know what they say, it’s the ‘not knowing’ that is the most terrifying thing. Toes curled and crossed.
Curled and crossed? Yikes! 😯
I’m covering all angles, Theo!!!!
You know what else they say ? Ignorance is
blissanger. Ask any wingnut.Congrats UT! All of you, Liberal Librarian, AMK, LovelyPlains, and you have all done a great job. Just got my computer back. My son is a genius.
Congrats ut. Well deserved.
OK – how do you give someone a “like” on WP? I’ve only just learnt to use the orange button
I have no idea… 😕
It’s right below the post. Now, get to it. I wanna hit 100 too. 🙂
😆 Is there a ‘Really Nervous About This Fella’ button I can click??
I am an inventing an whole new internet with nervous nellies option as a default. Will email you when it’s done.
😆 Hurry up with it, the nervous nellies option is urgently needed for your posts!
I am looking forward to the day when I can post this.
A man and a woman, who have never met before, find themselves assigned to the same sleeping room on a transcontinental train.
Though initially embarrassed and uneasy over sharing a room, the two are tired and fall asleep quickly – he in the upper bunk and she in the lower.
At 1:00 AM, he leans over and gently wakes the woman saying, “Ma’am, I’m sorry to bother you, but would you be willing to reach into the closet to get me a second blanket? I’m awfully cold.”
“I have a better idea,” she replies. “Just for tonight, let’s pretend that we’re married.”
“Wow! That’s a great idea!!” he exclaims.
“Good,” she replies. “Get your own damn blanket!”
😆 😆 I LOVE that woman!!!!!!!
Yes, sir! 🙂 (You really have become a blog tyrant, haven’t you…?) 🙂
🙂 I blame chips.
And rightly so!
right below what post? the only “like” I can see is the one next to “The Obama Diary” on the left of the same line with my orange thingy.
At the end of the main post. Just before the first comment starts.
Well – she says – you could knock me down with a feather – never have I seen that before. UT just got a like. In thanks for your efforts to teach the WP illiterate – I shall like your next post – but make it a good one. Thanks.
It’s 2.36am – yikes
“I shall like your next post”
pshaw.
I’ve always liked you, so you must have a few likes in your stats. 👍 I even gave you a hand my early am and your pm! Your photos were great. 🙂
Thanks cm. Together, we can take over this blog. What say you ? 🙂
Night & day! 😉
All I can say is:
See, you already lost the privilege to post pics directly here.
Congrats UT awesome R&S……..as well as swbluega and Jer.
LP, AMK, UT, and LL, I love you all and I truly appreciate you all for stepping in and giving our beautiful and soooooooooooooooooooo special angel a little rest.
I have enjoyed your presentations so much. I so enjoy our beautiful TOD Family and I give thanks daily for this beautiful space. Let us always continue to put more and more beautiful and goodnesss of loving energy for our President with our beautiful Chips leading the way. (((((((((( Love you all so much)))))))))))HZ
Thank you, HZ. Least we could do.
(psst. to be frank, chips would love more acting blog tyrants and less of amk.)
Another great post, UT! Great to see our President get sometime off from official duties to visit one of the most incredible historic sights in the world.
Italy’s centre-left leader Pier Luigi Bersani has been asked by the president to try to form a new government, following inconclusive elections.
Mr Bersani’s Democratic Party (PD) won control of the lower house of parliament in February’s poll, but fell short of a majority in the Senate.
Mr Bersani has ruled out a coalition with Silvio Berlusconi’s centre-right coalition, which finished second.
If no solution is found, the country could face fresh elections.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21900663
I saw that in the NYTimes this morning too and I think it is good news: Hollande in France, Bersani , maybe , in Italy, Greece’s Syrizia party,though not in power, led by Tsipras gaining strength, Netanyahu curbed a bit by Lapid and Livni—the people may be getting more of a voice.Wouldn’t that be something?
On another high note after reading the tremendous amount of positive press coming out of Israel ie; “Obama came, he saw, he conquered”
I am struck once more by the power of PBO. Here is what I think lies at the heart of his magic—POTUS comes to meet you in whatever world you inhabit. He doesn’t insist that you come to meet him in his.
His empathy and ability to walk in another persons shoes is a great strength and quite a contrst to infantile politicians that screech “My way do it my way.”
Young Israelis were crying when Obama’s plane took off. They asked why he can’t be the PM of Israel. Well, here is why. He is ours and we will not let him go.
‘They asked why he can’t be the PM of Israel.’
yeah, tellmeaboutit.
please provide the links to these reports – I need to read them and share them with the O-hating people I am trying so hard to convince
I read through a lot of what is on-line Al-Monitor, The Times of Israel, Israel News, Haaretz, even Adelson’s Israel HaYom. Uniformly positive even gushing.
Sorry Globalcitizen Linda i don’t have the knack of posting from another site.
There was a round up in the New York Times yesterday. Some of the students in the audience for PBO’s speech wrote about the speech and the effect it had on them. Very positive.
Your comment “POTUS comes to me you in whatever world you inhabit” expresses what I think about him so elegantly. I remember a class that talked about bringing about change. There was first order change and second order change. One is change that is not threatening. The other is change that threatens or frightens people because it goes against some deeply held value. The key is to “come along side” a person by finding a common interest or value and showing how the change supports that value. So in your words, you come to the person you want to change in their world, and then show them the connection to your world and how they will benefit by joining you. I’m not expressing it very well, but I think President Obama is the past master at it.
Beautiful post. 🙂
I concur, theo67. Good Morning maryl and theo67. Have a lovely Sat. HZ
Good morning, HZ! 🙂
IMPORTANT!!! http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022555109
WH petition https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/please-consider-and-promote-progressive-caucus-budget-plan-we-feel-it-most-equitable/10078lWf
We have LOTS of work to do if we’re to get the sigs needed on this. Enough of the Ryan budget bs…THIS is exactly the kind of budget that we need to move this country forward and fix what needs to be fixed and put people back to work!
Signed, facebooked, and twittered.
Thanks, maryl1…everyone needs to pass this along:)
Yoko on posted a pic of the bloodied glasses of John Lennon on twitter, she explains why…..
Huff Po front page has an unbelievable interactive map of all the gun deaths happening in America since Sandy Hook. Saw that just after I read about a 16 yr. old accidentally shooting his 12 yr. old brother to death in Orlando yesterday. Those guns that people have in their homes for “protection”—–not so much.
I saw that last night dotster and quite frankly, I got sick in the stomach…..
And the comments are completely dominated by gun lovers with hateful, nasty attacks on any type of gun control.
Bill is tiger going to win Bay Hill? He becomes #1 if he does right….
He will become #1 if he wins, but he faded yesterday. He bogeyed the last three holes yesterday. He is four strokes off the lead, and he generally plays much better when he has the lead.
Ya, he was unstoppable w/ the lead until the PGA championship where that S.Korean took him down. Forgot his name…
Y. E. Yang in 2009. That was a real shocker.
Yes Yang, and I believe he has not won a major since then….
Such a powerful image!!
I noticed that the usual head of POTUS’ USSS protective detail did not show up in the clips or photos of his trip to Israel, Palestine and Jordan.
I hope he is just taking a training break (or much-needed vacy) because I am so used to seeing him around PBO – selfish of me and resistant to change.
I know that the people in the security detail are all capable and dedicated individuals who sacrifice a lot for The First Family and us all. I am very grateful for their selfless service
Yes, I feel more comfortable with familiar faces around POTUS – especially when he’s travelling to potentially hostile places, like the Middle East or Capital Hill.
Make that “Capitol Hill”.
“…. potentially hostile places, like the Middle East or Capital Hill.”
😆
re: SS…..yes, I noticed our Silver Fox was not on this trip. Is he the head of the detail, or is the bald man head of the detail? Anyway, I issed the silver fox. (HZ and I call him that) Hope he hasn’t been hit by the sequester. I too like to recognize his SS detail!
I “missed”….sometimes the”m” doesn’t connect for me!
Agent Silver Fox is the head of the “main/primary” detail, Agent SS is the head of the alternative/back-up detail. the two teams alternate duty.
Yes, carolyn and globalcitizenlinda. That is the first thing I look for along with finding Pete Souza in the group. I notice our Silver Fox was not present this time. But the other cool shaved wear those glasses professor was right there. I think they do alternate with their duties. They are my most trusted and fine ones to be near our President and Family.
We give so much thanks to those who work so professionally to protect our most valuable gift, our POTUS. HZ
I remember when the media were saying Health care was dead – 2010 – & the President had to help get it all together. I do wonder what happens to the congress support – why do they need PBO to do it all? Or is this just the media?
I wish the plans would stay a secret so that there is less time for a counter attack from the gun lobby
I think the counterattack actually helps in an odd way….It brings more attention, where the media would otherwise ignore in most cases. Tommorw LaPierre and Bloomberg on MTP, so the crazier things he says the better.
Counter from NRA or gun lobby might help us. They are not hiding their greed and crazy beliefs. People are seeing them for what they are.
Could some of you brilliant political analysts tell us what just happened with the CR that passed both houses with the sequester in place and NRA goodies hidden throughout? I really want to know if the President would even want to sign this turkey just to keep the government running for the rest of the fiscal year. What kind of hellish trade-off does that entail, and is it really the best this damn Congress can do?
I agree that we need more information about this so that we can share it with others. we need to know facts because we are fighting against a determined gun making industry
Doesn’t it have to be reconciled? If so, when will that happen since the House has already taken off for their two week break?
Here you go Judith… Senate Passes $3.7 Trillion Budget, Setting Up Contentious Negotiations http://nyti.ms/WLpgJL
Thanks lovelyplains! I will read that article carefully and ask Senator Merkley about his perspective today.
Thank you hopefruit2. You are so right.HZ
She’s kidding right? The 24 hour media could have dissected this thing from day one and told people what was actually in the bill and what it would and would not do. They had all the time in the world to do this but decided GOP lies and other tripe had validity. The media didn’t do their jobs and now they want to know why the truth never got out?
I seem to remember a segment MHP did showing how Romney’s sons could help him win the election. Complete with toy dolls! Maybe. Just maybe she could have foregone that and talked about how ACA is moving America from fee per service to fee per results. That’s huge and the entire bill is filled with game changers.
It’s not just her but she’s in it.
Wouldn’t you love to have even half of the time off that Congress takes? They technically only work weekends. With 52 weeks in a year times two days is 104 days. They worked (Iif you can call it that) 109 days last year – pathetic!
Might not seem so bad if they actually did some significant work while they were there. 39 votes to appeal the ACA, re-submitting the Ryan Budget, obstructing confirmations, etc….
If you take the wasted time into consideration you don’t even get a full year of weekends.
Federal workers all over this country (and some around the world), of which I was one, work about 2,080 hours a year, holding down the fort, so these users can slack off.
First class healthcare, six to seven figure income, most expenses paid more perks than you can shake a stick at….
I’d like to take this opportunity to announce my candidacy for Congress. What seat I’m running for I couldn’t tell you. But still.
Wow. I have finally here.
Well done UT.
18M hits. 🙂 Congratulations ❗
POTUS and the babies.
Here’s Queen. You All are the Chips…ion 😉 Champion 😎
I am Finally here…oops 😉 again?
Hi, Chips – These videos are unbelievable. Thank you, and enjoy your weekend!
Have a great weekend too Jacqueline! The mighty UT will be posting next and I’ll follow that up later with a round-up type thingie. All these new blog tyrants are spoiling me!
I smile thinking how you must be going “Ahhhh … ” with all the help, which I’m so glad you asked for! I’m not a blogger, but if I can peel ya a grape at any time, let me know, darlin’. #WellDeserved
😆 You can peel my grapes any time J!!!! #Sweetheart!
As soon as somebody peels mine, I’ll be right ovah! 🙂
Did anyone else see the guard put his hand over his heart in a “thank-you pat with love” when POB went up and spoke and extended his handshake with the gentlemen? It was so respectful and elegant. Our beautiful President gives respects no matter where he is in this world, and people with a grateful heart gives back.
((((((((((( Blessings and Loving Protection To Our President))))))))))))HZ
Oh, I missed that moment HZ, running back to check – thank you!!!
I went back and looked again, and yes, the Jordanian guard put his hand over his heart, but first he saluted the president. Wow.
I noted that as soon as I saw the first video I saw out (the clip from Telegraph UK that is posted) and that is one of the reasons I have replayed it 10 times so far – but who is counting.
it made think that this handshake was totally unexpected and that other dignitaries seldom acknowledge the people who are standing guard.
the exchange reminded me of the PBO handshake with the policemen at Number 10 during his first visit
Oh, you’re so right Linda, it was JUST like the Number 10 moment – just lovely!
Oh, my, I hope “we” find that. I haven’t had a good Obama cry since my last good Obama cry! Tears (for our President) are good for the soul!
Just looked at it HZ, what a lovely, lovely moment! At: 0:38
Got it! Off to look at 0:38 !
I saw that and had to rewind it a few times. It was so heartfelt.
Love this song, a tad bitter sweet:
It took a lot of courage…..Freddie Mercury’s last Video.
A true talent. We were lucky to have him while we did.
He had a troubled life, but was a real performer with wonderful talent. Left some great songs behind for all of us.
Apparently Miss Israel is like the wimmin (ask AMK would say) here on TOD…….
And chips is ‘nervous’ about me ? Unbelievable.
I think it’s rude and disrespectful of the interviewer to ask this young woman the question about the president’s wife being jealous. Way to trivialize an important gesture to encourage diversity in a country with its fair share of problems with its minorities and also to give a young woman who could easily be pbo’s daughter a once in a life time opportunity to meet her role model.
I can’t imagine anyone asking similar questions about previous First Ladies. This rampant effort to reduce an accomplished, capable, ivy league trained professional woman into some idle, insecure hanger-on to her husband who’s just sitting around threatened by any and every woman, is totally assinine and also portrays the president as a frivolous and indisciplined man. This has to stop.
Silver lining…..reporters on every continent are ignorant?
Uinfortunately the damage has been done as evidenced by the young lady’s hunk comment. Silly questions like the one asked by the interviewer I think changed the tone and context of the meeting even for the young lady. She was meeting the married historic leader of the free world who she considered her role model. She wasn’t meeting brad pitt for a hang out. I suspect that even brad pitt would be a bit taken aback if a young kid he inspired to succeed reduced their high profile meeting to his hunkness. The president and first lady are old enough to be her parents and were it not for the innuendo-filled headlines surrounding this meeting, this young lady who was raised to be more respectful of her elders would not be summarizing such a historic opportunity with such a powerful role model in such shallow terms.
OMG this made my weekend….this is how the press core traveled in Petra, Jordan
😆 😆 Is that Mark Knoller pulling the cart???
LOL, they had to cover the mules ass, in case it let one loose!
At least this one hasn’t been ‘gift-wrapped’ and presented to him! Was it in Brazil that he was offered a donkey previously? I can’t remember
For your 😯 only, it was in Columbia;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-17688069
😆 😆 TY, Nena. Healthy looking donkey too! 😆
Knoller must be pulling the cart, lord knows, he wouldn’t fit in the cart.
Debz! 😯
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😆
Poor, poor Donkey. The weight of that fluffy faker on that poor Donkey.
Even if the Donkey was pulling the Mark K. It must be a Hard Job.
Actually I think the donkey has nothing to do with Knoller or Toddler, but symbolizes that democracy is nigh and will win… 🙂 🙂
Ah, I like your take on it Hopefruit! 🙂
You made my day LP! Are you sure one isn’t SS? 😉
Hi, everyone. Glad my President is on his way back home.
Not good. The first gun control legislation failed last night.
Inhoffe put an amendment banning the US to be a participant in the Arms treaty in the UN.
Just what is it about congress and the UN that they are so afraid of?
Ted Cruz once was ranting against a UN resolution that he said would outlaw golf courses and paved roads in the US.
President Obama souvenier shopping in Petra, Jordan
Kind of nice to have your own plane to take back souvenirs. I wonder if he considered a camel for the girls?
Well, they brought the tree they planted at Shimon Peres’s home on AF1…….so you never know?
I didn’t realize they brought their own tree!
POTUS mentioned it during the Tree Planting Session with President Peres – don’t know if you got a chance to watch the video
Not yet – I haven’t had a chance to watch most of it. Hoping to do a full catch-up tomorrow.
On 3rd anniversary ACA, the President tours the healthcare law benefits-
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/290011-obama-touts-health-laws-benefits-on-third-anniversary
G’day, y’all! Crumping along out here- now I’m signed in, a new thread will open!
Btw- in the budget that passed last night, 100 billion went toward stimulus.
Just an observation.
Wow. I did not know that. Was any of it for infrastructure?
Yes! But it will never pass house. But it would if we had a democratic house.
2014!!!
Yes there was quite a bit for infrastructure. I wish I could remember where I read that this morning.
Wow, UT. Unbelievable photos and videos from the trip. Thank you so much for putting these together for us.
And congratulations to General Lloyd Austin, who will now head the U.S. Central Command. Big hopes for a successful and scandal-free tour for him, as we wind down what I wish could be The Last War.
I totally agree. Congratz, General Lloyd Austin.
I don’t think villagers here have checked out the #ACA Health State Map, at least not for a while. Today is a good day to check the stories of real people from your state.
With all your honor and dignity, what would you do? Please don’t answer without giving it serious thought. By giving an honest answer you will be able to test where you stand morally.
The test features an unlikely, completely fictional situation, where you will have to make a decision one way or the other. Please scroll down slowly and consider each line – this is important for the test to work accurately.
You’re in Florida … in Miami, to be exact. There is great chaos going on around you, caused by a hurricane and severe floods. There are huge masses of water all over you. You are a news photographer and you are in the middle of this great disaster. The situation is nearly hopeless. You’re trying to shoot very impressive photos. There are houses and people floating around you, disappearing into the water. Nature is showing all its destructive power.
Suddenly you see a man in the water, fighting for his life, trying not to be taken away by the masses of water and mud. You move closer. Somehow the man looks familiar.
Then, you know who it is – it’s George W. Bush!
At the same time you notice that the raging waters are about to take him away, forever….
Now, you have two options. You can save him or you can take the best photo of your life. So you can save the life of George W. Bush, or you can shoot a Pulitzer prize winning photo, a unique photo displaying the death of one of the world’s most powerful men.
And here’s the question (please give an honest answer):
Would you select color film, or rather go with the simplicity of classic black and white?
Whatever is in the camera…
Well, we shouldn’t joke, and we must give credit to W, but I must admit, morally speaking, I think I’d rather see dick Cheney in the raging waters. Then, strictly as a reporter, I might yell out, “Any regrets, dick?” And then I’d hope that his old hunting buddy wouldn’t pick up his rifle – strictly in an attempt to kill off any Florida alligators that might be schooling, if alligators school – and accidentally blast the dick. And then I’d choose the simplicity of classic black and white, and win that Pulitzer. How’s that? Too heartless?
And they say, we men are cruel.
Hey, you asked.
🙂
It’s late late here – nite all – enjoy the day
Nite! Enjoy the rest!
Is Dana Milbank going to be ok? Jeesh!
No new ground breaking achievements on trip??
Well, neither did 4k years of Arab and Hebrew Leaders and 2k years of Christian, Jewish and Muslim Leaders.
Again- jeesh!
Great photos and posts and captions UT, thanks. Congrats JER! For Nena….
Sweet. That was at the Live aid or something?
Obrigada 😉
YouTube search Queen “We Are The Champion” 😉
As a crowded airliner is about to take off, the peace is shattered by a 5-year-old boy who picks that moment to throw a wild temper tantrum. No matter what his frustrated, embarrassed mother does to try to calm him down, the boy continues to scream furiously and kick the seats around him.
Suddenly, from the rear of the plane, an elderly man in the uniform of an Air Force General is seen slowly walking forward up the aisle. Stopping the flustered mother with an upraised hand, the white-haired, courtly, soft-spoken General leans down and, motioning toward his chest, whispers something into the boy’s ear.
Instantly, the boy calms down, gently takes his mother’s hand, and quietly fastens his seat belt. All the other passengers burst into spontaneous applause.
As the General slowly makes his way back to his seat, one of the cabin attendants touches his sleeve. “Excuse me, General,” she asks quietly, “but could I ask you what magic words you used on that little boy?”
The old man smiles serenely and gently confides, “I showed him my pilot’s wings, service stars, and battle ribbons, and explained that they entitle me to throw one passenger out the plane door on any flight I choose.”
Photo: U.S. President Barack Obama waves as he boards Air Force One at the airport in Amman March 23, 2013. – http://gdb.voanews.com/0138E59E-A52F-402E-BB0D-67B68A9E8148_mw1024_n_s.jpg
YouTube suggested I check this out and I’m sharing it here…
Must do taxes today.
A truly Funny delicious Irony happened this Passover and Easter coming week.
Beck, Downey Roma started with their delusion trying to dominate president Obama’s trip to the Holy Land with Their Version of Racist devil.
Karma, Prudence, Fate, Law of Nature, etc said Hell No.
Those forces said: Not this time and their wicked ways were washed out, over and totally decimated with Goodness. Hmm as HF would blog here 😉
So on that, I say proudly to Pres Obama: To Sir, With Love 🙂
Lulu….
The Original is best:
To Sir With Love, Pres Obama 🙂
Thank you HZ!
Happy Saturday, everyone!
LL – hope all continues to progress well for your wife.
Fred – if you are lurking, keeping you in my thoughts.
bbl …
#FORWARD
Happy Saturday Bob! And I echo your kind messages to LL and Fred, thinking of them both, and LL’s wife.
New Post.
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/03/23/happy-birthday-obamacare/
Greetingssssssssss MsChipssssss and TODville…
Awesome picsssss UT….i have loved this trip…i must admit i have been very worried about PBOs safety….such a volatile part of the world…but as i listened to the President not only address the Israeli students present in the auditorium…but the world at large….i was in awe at his courage…his hope. ..but not as he has said blind optimism but the hope of folks who want a better future..and his clearness of purpse….i get all weepy and filled with so much pride…someone commented in an earlier thread that they wish PBOs mom and grandmother were here to see what he has become….and that we here at TOD have become members of his extended family….that we all encircle him in our loving and respectful embrace….
a question,,,
i know that the gifts that PBO receives he cannot keep….but the Presidential Medal that was bestowed on him by President Peres…is he allowed to keep that…
Gorgeous comment Prettyfoot!
TY MsChipsss…
this from smartypants said so much to me….
The audacity of trust
http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-audacity-of-trust.html
Since those days I’ve often thought about the healing power of trust. It is a powerful elixir that most of us are too fearful to extend to others – much less ourselves. We are so broken inside from our disappointments that we spend enormous amounts of energy protecting our vulnerability….
Imagine that…going into the most conflict-ridden part of the world today and talking about the fact that Jews and Muslims and Palestinians “hold more hopes in common than fears that drive us apart.” Now THAT’s audacious! He championed hope in a place that is plagued by fear because he trusts the audience he was speaking to.
I believe that’s why they responded so powerfully to what he had to say – because that was my own personal response to a trust so fearlessly extended. That kind of gift from another person wakes up your soul.
**************************************
#TrustBarack…He has earned it
Ms. Parker [Emilie’s mother] said she told Peter Lanza that there was an opportunity to learn from the killings and that his cooperation was vital.
My God, they’re astonishing people, such courage.
ok, I admit that I am badly behaved because I would gladly give the contents of my piggy bank to see a video of the media in their horse-drawn carriages from Petra- name & clear faces if possible