Night owl chat with reunited Spandau Ballet

So, yes, I’m Gen-X, which means I’m a child of the 80s. Without further ado, reunited Spandau Ballet.

Gold

This and That

President Obama at the National Academy of Sciences, April 29

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Mary Foxx, grandmother of Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, is seen seated in the East Room of the White House where President Barack Obama announced that he nominated her grandson as transportation secretary. Mary Foxx worked at the White House in the Truman Administration

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Will catch up with the news in the morning

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Wishing GoBrooklyn all the very best ahead of her operation tomorrow (Tuesday) – love from us all.

A seminal moment in the fight for equality….

“I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay”

Imagine you’re in the oven, baking. Some of us know and accept our sexuality right away and some need more time to cook. I should know — I baked for 33 years.

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So proud of you, Jason Collins! This is a huge step forward for our country. We’ve got your back! -mo

— FLOTUS (@FLOTUS) April 29, 2013

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President Obama spoke by phone to Jason Collins @jasoncollins34 after his announcement. Obama offered support/congratulations on courage.

— Major Garrett(@MajorCBS) April 29, 2013

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Thanks, @jasoncollins34, for your bravery and honesty. OFA supporters everywhere stand with you today.

— OFA (@OFA) April 29, 2013

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“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” sportsillustrated.cnn.com/magazine/news/… J.Collins b/c 1rst openly gay athlete

— The lovely Plains (@DaRiverZkind) April 29, 2013

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Jack meets the President

 

President Barack Obama greets Jack Hoffman, 7, of Atkinson, Neb., in the Oval Office, April 29. Hoffman, who is battling pediatric brain cancer, gained national attention after he ran for a 69-yard touchdown during a Nebraska Cornhuskers spring football game. Hoffman holds a football that the President signed for him. (Photo by Pete Souza)

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HuskerInsider: So what does a 7-year-old pediatric brain cancer patient do after thrilling 60,000 fans at Nebraska’s Spring Football Game, plus nearly 8 million YouTube viewers, with an inspiring 69-yard touchdown run? After throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at Saturday’s nationally televised Nebraska-Michigan softball game in Lincoln, Jack flew to Washington D.C. with his dad, Andy, mom, Bri and sisters Ava 5, and Reese, 2.

On Sunday, the Hoffmans took in the sights of our Nation’s Capital in advance of a Monday noontime scheduled visit with President Barack Obama at the White House. “We were thrilled to get invited, and we hope it all comes off,” Andy Hoffman, Jack’s dad, said Sunday night.

More here

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The WHCD zingers

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How do you like my new entrance music? Rush Limbaugh warned you about this – second term, baby. We’re changing things around here a little bit.

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Everybody loves Michelle. She’s on the cover of Vogue, high poll numbers. But don’t worry – I recently got my own magazine cover.

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These days, I look in the mirror and I have to admit, I’m not the strapping young Muslim socialist that I used to be. Time passes. You get a little gray.

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Even after all this time, I still make rookie mistakes. Like, I’m out in California, we’re at a fundraiser, we’re having a nice time. I happen to mention that Kamala Harris is the best-looking attorney general in the country. As you might imagine, I got trouble when I got back home. Who knew Eric Holder was so sensitive?

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And then there’s the Easter Egg Roll, which is supposed to be just a nice, fun event with the kids. I go out on the basketball court, took 22 shots – made two of them. That’s right: two hits, 20 misses. The executives at NBC asked, “What’s your secret?”

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Anyway, I recognize that this job can take a toll on you. I understand – second term, you need a burst of new energy, try some new things. And my team and I talked about it. We were willing to try anything. So we borrowed one of Michelle’s tricks. I thought this looked pretty good, but no bounce.

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Rise and Shine

Two years ago: President Obama shakes hands with a young girl after arriving at Miami International Airport, April 29, 2011 (Photo by Pete Souza)

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Today:

10:30: The First Lady speaks at a White House Forum on Military Credentialing and Licensing (White House live)

10:50: The President delivers remarks at the National Academy of Sciences 150th Anniversary (White House live)

12:30: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney

2:10: The President makes a personnel announcement

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Tuesday: As part of the Joining Forces initiative, President Obama, Vice President Biden, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden will make a significant employment announcement for veterans and military spouses. This event will take place at the White House

Wednesday: The President will attend meetings at the White House

Thursday: In the morning, the President will depart Washington, DC for his visit to Mexico and Costa Rica

Friday: In the afternoon, the President will depart Mexico for Costa Rica

Saturday: In the afternoon, the President will depart Costa Rica and return to Washington, DC

Sunday: The President will deliver the commencement address at Ohio State University. He will return to Washington, DC, later that day

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ABC: President Obama will nominate Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx as the new Transportation secretary on Monday, a White House official said.

Foxx, who has served as mayor of Charlotte since 2009, has overseen several major infrastructure initiatives in the city and rose to prominence after bringing the Democratic National Convention to Charlotte last year.

More here

Anthony Foxx holds up his son Zachary to the microphone after being sworn in as Charlotte’s new mayor

…. with his grandmother Mary Foxx after mid-morning services at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on August 5, 2012. Anthony was raised by his grandparents, Mary and James Foxx, Sr., who led him into politics, and his mother Laura

Mayor Foxx at the 2012 Democratic National Convention:

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Our new polls find backlash against Flake, Begich, Murkowski, Portman, and Heller on their gun votes: publicpolicypolling.com/main/2013/04/m…

— PublicPolicyPolling (@ppppolls) April 29, 2013

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AP: One of the architects of failed gun control legislation says he’s bringing it back.

Sen. Joe Manchin on Sunday said he would re-introduce a measure that would require criminal and mental health background checks for gun buyers at shows and online. The West Virginia Democrat says that if lawmakers read the bill, they will support it.

More here

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Congress To-Do List: ✔ Create worst-case scenario ✔ Let it happen ✔ Fix it piecemeal for those who least need help.

— pourmecoffee (@pourmecoffee) April 26, 2013

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