President Obama waves to the First lady Michelle Obama and her guests on the Truman Balcony as he returns to the White House from Costa Rica on May 4
****
Sunday:
9:45: President Obama departs the White House
11:15: Arrives Columbus, Ohio
12:35: Delivers the commencement speech at The Ohio State University
3:25: Arrives the White House
****
Howdy!
Hi Carol, congrats!
Thank you.
Congrats, Carol!
Thanks Theo.
Well, look at the birthday girl ! 🙂
My lucky day. I started off lucky too!
yeah! Home again.
Congrats CarolMaeWY on being Number One 🙂
The POTUS has landed…..Back In USA 😉 😎
Welcome Back, Mr. President ❗
He looks so sweet waving to his family!!
I’m glad he’s home early enough to rest up tonight and enjoy his Saturday evening – especially since he has to work tomorrow, too. He’s a hard-working man.
You know Theo, if I could get near his schedulers I’d kick their collective asses – he has to leave the WH at 9:45 AM for Ohio tomorrow, he needs a rest after that trip!!!
They think he’s a machine.
Truly!
Chipsticks, these are the hours that CBS reporter Mark Knoller, a.k.a. President Obama’s golf statistician, never reports to the American people. O.K. may be it is because I am much older, but there is absolutely no way I would be functioning normally under President’s Schedule this week.
I am sooooooooooo Glad that PBO is home….I always worry…
I think we all do, prettyfoot. Welcome home, Mr. President! Glad your trip was successful (as usual)!
PBO’s back, is he? Good!
Congrats B-day girl Carol! Is it me, or has this Saturday been busier than most? Maybe it’s b/c I was M.I.A. for a few weeks…regardless I am happy to see so many visiting the village this weekend!
Thank you LP. No, it’s been busy. Pres. Obama does not stop.
All this turmoil in the middle east leaves my stomach in knots.
This is insane.
Great, Finally. Now if they can also fund a Network that Reports Factually based News and they can use it as a right off…….AJE will try, but more is needed to Right Back the Lazy, Lame News media.
Tell me about it. Fingers crossed!
POTUS is back home I see. That’s good. I see he is waving to FLOTUS and her guests on the Truman Balcony. How nice.
OMG, this brave young man….
That brought tears to my eyes. Hardly 3 weeks ago, this guy was changed for the rest of his life by murderous terrorists.
He has such a long road ahead of him but he seems to have the right spirit. May he forever be favorably blessed.
Yes Nena – it is a very bittersweet photo. My heart goes out to this young man and his family.
You are so right, that bravo young man. So much more braver than those cowards who did this to him and all the others. Bless Mr. Bauman.
We can only hope that he makes a good recovery and goes on to lead a very fruitful life, despite his suffering at the hands of hatred.
SO Awesome! For those that don’t know his story……he saved countless lives, immediately after waking up from surgery
This is the spirit that keeps me going to help POB. These precious and beautiful loved ones of our dear country have to change their lives for the rest of their lives because of the spirits that are vile and evil that have attacked them and us as a nation. But we keep them close to our hearts and pray for their recovery, healing, and strength. This beautiful act that was done for this beautiful young man is exactly what our beautiful president wants us to remember to do. These who have been wounded and who have left us, young and old stay on POB’s mind constantly. So, let us keep him and them close to our heart by doing those things that will give hope, courage, and goodness to all of us.
Because I love children and teachers so much, and because they have been my life for all these years; I chose to donate first to the BostonOneFund and then I adopted little Martin Richards family as my family. I found online just what I wanted to remember little Martin two weeks ago. The items arrived. Today, I wore the bracelets, necklace, and my cap out while getting some items at Trader Joe’s. The young lady who helped me pack my car noticed my necklace, hat, and bracelets and asked me where I got them. I then shared with her where and why. Then I asked her if she would support the president and all of us in helping POB and VPBiden get the Gun Safety Bill done(shared with her what she might do) and the Immigration Bill as well.
She was teary eyed and hugged me. Then she said that she would share with her family and friends to do something like that to remind her and them to say a prayer and ask for healing for the Boston families and the gun violence that has caused so much hurt to so many families. See, we can just do whatever we can think of to help move the agenda forward with POB and VPBiden. (((((((Just Be A Witness for Goodness and Comfort)))))))HZ
That is why I do what I can do to help in anyway to move our beautiful President forward with his agenda. His plate is still full, but believe me; his heart and soul is also full of ‘goodness of spirit’. a brilliant mind, and a core that cannot be torn apart from its decency.
Let us always keep our president in our minds, our hearts, and in our prayers and meditations. This gives him inner strength to know that we are doing this as well. He thrives on our prayers, good thoughts along with our good deeds, and we must always remember that.
I know someone who is close to POB, and believe me, our POTUS is strong. He will need us above all as he completes this journey in his second term. He loves the connection that he has with those of us who have his back and are working alongside him in trying to get things done.
(((((((((( Thank you for All that you do for all of us and the world, Mr. President.)))))))))HZ
And (((((((((Thank you my dear beautiful Chips for this beautiful haven.)))))))))))))HZ
HZ, you are a beautiful soul and you are so right about PBO needing all of us to help him. Together we are a powerful force.
Thank you for everything YOU are doing, HZ! Have a good evening.
Absolutely marvelous commentary, HZ! Thank you for imploring us to have the President’s back both in our actions and in our thoughts/prayers. As Dr. King used to say, “we’ve come this far to turn back!” We must blow a trumpet of “No Retreat” in support of our President.
Some very important reads….grab some coffee and take a gander, if you have the time.
Our PB is having quite the birthday!!
Another member of the Taurus club!
Yes! Taurus rules!
Indeedddd…….the 19 for me!!
Prettyfoot, you share a birthday with Malcolm X!
YES …I know….I was a sophomore in High School when I discovered that…it was a badge of honor..:-)
Happy B-Day Pink Bunny what a beautiful cake…….I hope you have one just as delicious and if not well enjoy being with family and friends, thanks for inviting your online family to celebrate one more year and many more.
CarolMaeWY mentioned on a earlier thread that today’s her birthday too! Wished her a happy BD earlier.
Saw your question yesterday to LibLib about the Malibu fires in the late 1970s.
I worked in Pt. Dume from 1978-1982, and during that time there were several devastating fires. On the windiest day of the year in Oct 1978, we saw a tiny wisp of smoke about noon from the vicinity of the Ventura Fwy/Kanan. By 4 pm, the fire had roared to Broadbeach, completely gutting the homes there. A few years later (1981?) another fire destroyed most of the mobile homes in Paradise Cove.
So it’s been over 30 years for the chapparal to grow back in that area, which makes the fire danger even worst. But the very worst is that windy days bring out the crazy arsonists. Almost all these fires were deliberately set off by some arsonist a few feet away from the Ventura freeway.
That’s the long answer that I remember those fires.
Tomorrow is CanadaBarb’s birthday, too! She’s been celebrating for days!
JoJo, how are you doing? I have thought of you because of the fires. I pray that you are fine. I also hope that Tally is fine as well.(((((((( Lots of good praying for all of us on the westcoast.HZ))))))))
Happy Birthday, PB. Hope it’s been a great day.
happy birthday! wishing you the best in what lies ahead
Happyyyyyyyyyyy Birthday….PB
Happy Birthday PB. I hope that your day was lovely and filled with a lot of fun things for you. Enjoy the evening of your special day.HZ
Happy Birthday. We share the day!
Happy Happy Happy Birthday PB.
😉
Happy Birthday PB! I hope you had a wonderful day.
I LOVE IT when my President steps off Marine One, safe & sound, back home with all of his girls – Michelle, Malia, Sasha and of course, Mrs. Robinson.
On a sadder note, here’s a toon, it may be a repeat, but I think it bears repeating…
Speaking at the NRA convention. Not Speaking.
the photo of PBO at FLOTUS and guests reminds of the day that the First Daughters and BO waited for PBO to return. the rotors of Marine One messed up their hair
Oh, that’s not good. The hair part. 🙂
are there any other reports (other than Syrian State TV) confirming what is happening in Damascus?
Don’t know who is behind it, but here is video from Al Jazeera English.
https://twitter.com/ReaDonaldDrumpf/status/330842478775263233
I see some west coasters on this thread so am repeating something I posted on Thursday (hope that Susanne in Hawaii checks in too). This should be interest to anyone living in Alaska, Hawai, and the west of Canada and the U.S.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) will convene international experts at a public colloquium to explore the impact of Fukushima on the ocean and human health. The panel will be held on May 9, 2013, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. EDT and simulcast on the Web (http://www.whoi.edu/fukushima). Online viewers are encouraged to participate and send questions for the panel discussion via Twitter. The event hashtag is #WHOIfukushima. Questions during the discussion can also be sent via email to cmer@whoi.edu.
http://phys.org/wire-news/128866765/meeting-experts-convene-to-examine-impacts-of-fukushima-on-the-o.html
I see very little coverage of the impact to the oceans of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, and hope that the media will report on what goes on Thursday. Meanwhile, if you have any questions, you can send via Twitter or email.
😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 Damn straight …
“Translation:
Bombing was اسرائيلة aircraft within the area of Syria, and used the weapons as I know the U.S. arsenal JDAM-type cruise missiles and Hellfire missiles in addition to the three giant explosions likely it with non-conventional weapons.
Number of explosions generally exceeded 40 between the medium and large and three giant explosions caused ground tremor think more than 4 on the Richter scale.
Multiplied sites are the following:
– 105 Republican Guard Brigade completely erased
– Brigade 104 انحمى completely
– Brigade rockets Bakacin the
– Ammunition depots Bakacin
– Building scientific research in Jmraiya of
– Near the site of the coefficient of Defense Balhamh
– The band’s fourth site near the suburb of Kudsia
– Armory for the fourth band suburb Kudsia
– Between the site and expressed the hill likely Llano site strategic missiles (Scud)
– News unconfirmed reports of mortar within the housing of the Republican Guard Civil Bakdsaa
– News unconfirmed reports of mortar rounds inside residential areas Bakdsaa the
Killed at least two thousand Task fourth and military elite forces in addition to a number of elements Lat Party who are in military units
Continue until the moment of the explosions within the stores of weapons and ammunition, as well as to hear the voices of anti-aircraft all the previously mentioned areas and sounds unknown source shells
Caution: residents of areas surrounding the sites mentioned, please stay away from windows and balconies for fear of raids and fear of new mortar local result of combustion stores of arms”
A little TOD exposure … 🙂
Bob, if I’m reading this correctly, the explosions killed at least two thousand people. And do you know what the Lat Party is? What in God’s name is Israel doing here?
I hope Israel is prepared to own this thing, and the consequences. Typical right wing behavior – act first, think later.
Those were massive explosions at sites known to be substantially staffed and garrisoned with various ‘elite’ elements of what remains of Assad’s ‘Republican Army’ and also a bunch of Iranians and other mercs. At least one armored division is reportedly totally destroyed, etc.
In other words, a bunch of folk died.
Large numbers of surface to surface rockets from Iran that could easily reach Israel were being stockpiled, evidently, and could reach Israel even easier if transferred to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Thus, Israel did what Israel always does. Collect extensive intelligence and then strike fiercely.
As context – this is about Iran v Israel. Syria, because of Assad’s brutality toward various factions, particularly Sunni, set the stage for what has been unfolding the past 2 years. You’ve got a bunch of folk who have hated each other for centuries inching ever closer to ensuring most of them perish.
Israel-Iran, Pakistan-India, & North Korea have always concerned me way more than the Soviet Union ever did.
#FORWARD
Thank you, Bob, for that clear explanation.
Israel vs. Iran is very scary indeed.
Pakistan may be worse, as a nation-state of “loose” nukes.
Not good news at all.
The Soviets, for all their bluster, were rational actors. They behaved in the traditional Great Power manner, and really didn’t want to blow up the world. But the ones that worry you work from existential dread. That is beyond rationality.
Nice report bob
Thanks Bobfr, this helps me understand the players & moving parts.
https://twitter.com/zaidbenjamin/status/330853585367744512
additional reports about the explosion in Syria in mountain.
tomorrow McCain is booked for fox news sunday for what he tweets to be : developments in Syria
this is a complex world.
It’s embarrassing that anyone still listens to McCain about anything.
Yes it is, Theo. The administration is filled with knowledgeable people, yet Fox must turn to the bigoted one who has an axe to grind against the president and has no direct knowledge of anything. Embarrassing and sad.
It’s not just Fox. All the major networks including NBC, CNN, ABC…it seems as though when McCain lost the election in 2008, the cable networks decided to console him by promising him face time on one or more of networks every Sunday that he is available. It’s just sickening…
He should be laughed off the stage. He’s been wrong every time, yet he is their go to guy. Despicable. I have no respect for the man.
Pardon my French, but fuck me running backwards. What the hell is Israel doing? I really doubt that the Syrian rebels want Israel’s “help”. I’m willing to be proven wrong, but I think I’m not.
I have no idea – but to hazard a guess – trying to force US into another war – and no doubt the GOP will join them in that endeavor
thank you, but no thanks. If Israel wants to throw away the lives of its sons and daughters, it’s free to do so. We’ve had enough.
I hope they are ready to fight. The American people are tired of wars.
You can be assured, we aren’t putting any ‘boots on the ground’ unless Israel or Turkey are invaded – and the likelihood of either of those events happening is vanishingly small. This is at an entirely different level now …
I think they’re working with the warmongers in the GOP – trying to force President Obama’s hand. They’ve entered into a war without an exit strategy – because they think it’s just that simple. This is what happens with people who can’t learn from their past mistakes – because they think they haven’t made any.
I was really hoping that Lapid would curtail Bibi’s warmongering. But I guess not. At least most of the casualties seem to be regime forces.
I’m not sure I believe anything we hear anymore…
Note my comment above, LL.
This is all about Israel – Iran. That is really the only lens to use to focus on what happened tonight – something that was going to happen, inevitably, as Iran has been packing Syria, and moving to pack Lebanon (Hezbollah) with an arsenal that could rain a very large number of surface-to-surface missiles on Israel. BTW, that’s just my impression from all I have been reading these past ~ 15 months.
I figured it was about Iran.
Just to refresh everyone, Assad and the ruling elite are from the Alawite branch of Islam, which is a Shi’ite offshoot. So they have confessional allegiance to Iran and Hezbollah. That’s why Nasrallah came out full bore for Assad earlier this week.
It’s too small a patch of land with too many tinderboxes for the world to sleep easily.
Yes, and through that lens one understands why Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, etc., are particularly interested in seeing Iran, Assad/Alawite/Hezbollah get crushed.
I can understand that. But why don’t THEY put their own boots on the ground? What use are all the weapons we sell them?
As you know, LL, most of the arms sales the US makes to SA, Qatar, etc., are done for revenue and to ensure Iran never gives a thought to attacking them. They’re not going to engage their armies and they know – Libya as a prime example – that PBO is not going to do the dumb shit GWB did.
We all know this comes down to Iran v Israel. Hamas, Hezbollah, etc., are neutered the moment Iran stops supplying them. The Palestinians actually have some hope, if Iran is neutered. The key has been to have Iran be its own agent of destruction. What it has been doing in Syria the past ~ 18 months is certainly accelerating that agency.
Israel dealt them a big blow tonight. We soon will know if Iran is ready to go full blown stupid.
They’d be foolish to do so. For all their bluster, neither Iran’s nor Syria’s militaries are sufficient for offensive action against Israel.
Bob – Can’t thank you enough for all of the insight and levelheadedness you bring to us, always, on topics such as this. I learn a great deal from your direct, well-thought-out, reasoned manner of presenting information. And I mean that.
Thank you very much, Jacqueline.
I meant it. Your commentary is much appreciated, and has a calming effect (<<< added bonus!).
May I second your thoughts to Bobfr, Jacquelineoboomer. Thank you so much.HZ
🙂
Stewie my wonderpup probably thinks that his middle name is “What are you doing” and last name is “Go to your mom”.
The list in Michael’s tweet is the one I translated, above, btw.
Why do I feel like we’re on a precipice?
Because we are, LL. If there were ever a time to be totally grateful President Obama is President, it’s right now!!!!
Oh good lord, can you imagine Mittens in charge?
You know I’m not religious, but I pray that if an intelligence adheres to the Universe, that it gives PBO the steadiness to steer through these shoals.
“You know I’m not religious, but I pray that if an intelligence adheres to the Universe, that it gives PBO the steadiness to steer through these shoals.”
I’m sharing the very same ‘prayer’ …
I am so with you Bobfr. We trust and meditate in a sense of goodness to that Higher Being to guide and give complete wisdom to PBO, and I believe it will happen.HZ
I don’t know what to think
ATTN: WEST COAST CANADA, U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii)
Trying this again, since I see a lot of west coasters on this thread.
Thursday, May 9
FUKUSHIMA IMPACT TO OCEAN
Woods Hole Institute, Massachusetts
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) will convene international experts at a public colloquium to explore the impact of Fukushima on the ocean and human health. The panel will be held on May 9, 2013, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. EDT and simulcast on the Web (http://www.whoi.edu/fukushima). Online viewers are encouraged to participate and send questions for the panel discussion via Twitter. The event hashtag is #WHOIfukushima. Questions during the discussion can also be sent via email to cmer@whoi.edu.
http://phys.org/wire-news/128866765/meeting-experts-convene-to-examine-impacts-of-fukushima-on-the-o.html
They are accepting questions via Twitter and email and will be viewable online (ends at 6:30 pm Pacific).
Hopefully the media will report on this discussion since the environmental impact of the Fukushima nuclear disaster has barely been covered by the MSM after the initial tsunami coverage.
its just after 4.30 am in Damascus and by all accounts, there military activities are severe.
Huge explosions in Mount Qassioun area in the outskirts of Damascus.
if claims are true that arms shipment was coming from Iran, will Iran get involved ?
As to Iran getting involved, this sorta summarizes their options ….
Ok, I think shit is going to get very hairy for the next couple of weeks. So, I’m making gimlets with real limes for the TOD family. Gather ’round the bar.
I’ll stick with wine, but thank you bartender!!
Let’s put this in the context of the next day or two, my friend.
To give you some idea just how well coordinated this was (and continues to be), Syria had effectively ZERO command and control for air defense, etc …
https://twitter.com/mrossletters/status/330856202814771200
i.e., these strikes have been in the works for weeks if not longer.
Cyber warfare?
Just good old fashioned electronic warfare my friend – irrespective of the type of network being used for command and control, you know the Israelis have all the tools to disrupt it (as do we).
I’ll take two, to start!
A double for Theo!
Ahem! A-hem, Theo! Two? And to ‘start’? I see my January modeling had NO effect on you. /smh/
Not the slightest influence, VC. None at all, I’m afraid to say… 😉
/smh/ – Failure is hard to swallow, I admit.
You didn’t stand a chance at success, VC. Don’t take it personally.
I’m trying not to, but when you’ve been accustomed to thinking that all it takes is setting the ‘right’ example ……. 😉
Me first. Thank you.
Thanks LL.
Waiting to see if this will be confirmed by the White House ….
However, regarding the earlier strikes, he made it quite clear that Israel has the right to protect itself ….
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/obama-refuses-comment-on-israels-air-strike-on-syria/article11719478/
Ahh…Gregory couldn’t wait – it’s all about Obama…
That IS the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Fav’d and RT’d.
Does this numbskull David Gregory noth think that PBO and Defense did not know about these plans?
noth-omitted.
Whether they approved of them is another matter altogether.
No he is saying, I think, that Israel is doing Americas job. As he sees it. 😦
Right, but he is also assuming (falsely) that there was any pressure on PBO to go to war with Syria.
yep, that is what he saying
David Gregory does not have the slighest truth thought of what POB is thinking of doing. DG is the type who has no real credibility on what is in the thought process and action process of POB. None. And David can go on and STCU and leave the room, because surely we know who is the smartest one in the room.
David Gregory, you are no longer covering the WH as you did in W’s time, so why should we listen to you. Go get a glass of milk and eat your cookies with it. This conversation and plan of action is for those who have a brilliant mind and uses it, and who has a core that you cannot match not this day or any day. Bye.HZ
Ok, in a break from looming war news, another signpost in the missus’ recovery to health.
We have a very narrow driveway, and she always parked her car towards the street so that she could fit to get in.
Well, when it was street cleaning day on Thursday, I moved her car all the way up so I could be off the street. It’s been there ever since.
She came to my work today. Which means… SHE CAN FIT IN HER CAR IF IT’S ALL THE WAY UP THE DRIVEWAY!
So flipping proud of her.
This is wonderful news LL. Yes you (both) can! 🙂 🙂
Another fantastic milestone!
Please congratulate her, LL!!
Great news regarding the missus LL!
great news for your family
Undoubtedly …
… the Iranian mullahs got way more than a tweet, tonight …
Wow, uk ok how’s about I bought the new Samsung Galaxy 4, not realizing it was released like 8 DAYS AGO!!! I didn’t even realize it until I just tried to get a otter case for the new phone at best buy. They don’t even have many case choices yet…lol. My cuz says I always be getting the newest & latest…this time I didn’t even do it on purpose…lol
This one’s funny …
BTW, he tweets from HOMS, Syria …
Very interesting and telling…
Been here just reading about all this that you’ve posted…trying to wrap my head around this. But this IS a good question! What if they DO cheer the destruction of a madman’s weapons that were used against them? How does this play for Syria/Israeli relations with the Syrian people that have been murdered under Assad’s regime? Will Israel’s actions be welcomed? How does this change, for better or worse, the alliances and alliegences in the ME? Oh, lord….I need a drink.
Israel can take both Syria and Iran, from what I know , we have sold them most of our Advanced Weaponry.
Another thought behind the strategy of Israel’s attack: If Israel can degrade Assad’s forces sufficiently so that the SNC can oust him, then the more pro-Western elements will take power in Damascus, before AQ has a chance to plant roots.
Maybe they r the ones helping the Rebels?
The Byzantines fell long ago, but their politics never left the Middle East.
See this comment, LL http://theobamadiary.com/2013/05/04/chat-away-156/#comment-712440
Very risky what Israel is doing. Hopefully the bet wins.
Yep. This one’s for keeps.
You know the dome is humming tonight.
I don’t drink but I may just start now – for the first time in my life!
I am tense and really scared (I can take a nod from anyone who thinks that I am a crybaby because right now I am)
Global – no one thinks you are a ‘crybaby’ – this is really serious stuff. Wish I could hug you. And, suggest you wait for a happy moment to have your first glass of wine or one of LL’s famous giblets … Take care!!!
thanks. its going to be a long number of nights and days ahead
Dearie, I will make you the smoothest gimlet so that it tastes like you’re drinking sweetened lime juice.
thanks, waiting for the “lime juice”
Hang in there, Linda! We’re all together here, going through some of the scary stuff with each other. And don’t forget President Obama’s a true world leader.
thanks. my only consolation is that PBO is in charge
It’s a big consolation for all of us!
PHOTO – PBO returns to Washington:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/getty/article/ALeqM5iBYTIbiA_PzzOxItcvidJ20VaaxA?docId=168046087
He looks fabulous!
Blog Tyrants………I have a post ready. Unless somebody wants to post something else? Let me know soon about to watch the Mayweather fight!
Go ahead. We’re hitting our comment limit.
New Post http://theobamadiary.com/2013/05/04/barack-obama-and-a-changing-america-the-david-axelrod-interview/
Hay the Chicago Bulls just defeated the Brooklyn Nets. So the Bulls will go against the Miami Heats starting Monday night. That will be tough for the Bulls, they have to get some of their guys healthy to maybe have a chance. I wonder if POTUS caught any of the game?