@WhiteHouse: President Obama’s #budget invests in his vision of giving every 4-year-old in America access to quality preschool.
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President Barack Obama sits with 3- and 4-year old students in a pre-kindergarten class at Powell Elementary School in Washington. Obama chose the school as a venue Tuesday to propose an expansion of popular tax credits for middle class and working poor Americans in a fiscal 2015 budget
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President Barack Obama gets a hand standing up after sitting on the floor with 3- and 4-year old students in a pre-kindergarten class at Powell Elementary School
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President Barack Obama sits with Marcus Wesby and other preschool student during his visit to Powell Elementary School in the Petworth neighborhood of Washington
President Barack Obama greets 3- and 4-year olds in teacher Laura Steinmetz’s pre-kindergarten class at Powell Elementary School
President Barack Obama sits with Emily Hare as she completes her spelling lessons
President Barack Obama talks with teacher Graciela Segovia, as he sits with Marcus Wesby and other preschool student during his visit to Powell Elementary School
The Obama Diary 
Thank yoooooooou Nerdy, absolutely gorgeous photos!
THE NEW BUDGET IS AWESOME….OF COURSE RUSTY’S ‘BUCKS BRIGADE’ WON’T BE HAPPY…THAT ADORABLE LITTLE BOY ON PBO’S LAP LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE A MINI-JOHN LEGEND!
“Even a week ago, the idea of a Russian military intervention in Ukraine seemed far-fetched if not totally alarmist. The risks involved were just too enormous for President Vladimir Putin and for the country he has ruled for 14 years. But the arrival of Russian troops in Crimea over the weekend has shown that he is not averse to reckless adventures, even ones that offer little gain. In the coming days and weeks, Putin will have to decide how far he is prepared to take this intervention and how much he is prepared to suffer for it. It is already clear, however, that he cannot emerge as the winner of this conflict, at least not when the damage is weighed against the gains. It will at best be a Pyrrhic victory, and at worst an utter catastrophe. Here’s why:
1. At home, this intervention looks to be one of the most unpopular decisions Putin has ever made………
2. The economic impact on Russia is already staggering……..
3. Even Russia’s closest allies want no part of this……..
4.Russia’s isolation from the West will deepen dramatically………”
This is freaking awesome. Thank you Sir Patrick Stewart and Stephen Colbert!
Furst! 😆
Orale homies!
I’ll say it: teacher Laura Steinmetz is a cutie patootey.
Where’s ny naughty mat when I need it? Afternoon LL!
Buenas tardes, alma de mi vida!
Thought bubble of boy in first picture: “Yeah, I’m on Barack’s lap. That’s how I roll.”
“U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Ukraine on Tuesday with $1 billion in American loan guarantees and a warning for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to reporters in a press conference from Kiev, Secretary Kerry, who is the first American official to visit the country since protesters toppled Viktor Yanukovych’s regime last month, said the loans are a mark of solidarity and a demonstration of support for Ukraine’s new government.
He also took a few swipes at Russia for its actions in Crimea. “Today, in another part of this country, we are in a new phase of the struggle for freedom,” he said of the events in the country’s southern peninsula. “The United States reaffirms our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereign and territorial integrity according to international law.”
He then condemned Russia’s aggression, adding that the U.S. “will stand with the people of Ukraine.” In a repetitive line he returned to throughout the press conference, Secretary Kerry fact-checked Russia’s dubious claims over the past few days. “The Russian government would have you believe,” he said, “that the Ukrainian government somehow is illegitimate or led by extremists, ignoring the reality … that elected representatives of the people of Ukraine overwhelmingly approved the new government — even with members of Yanukovych’s party deserting him and voting overwhelming to approve [it]. “He also blamed Yanukovych for deserting his country “when history came calling, when his country was in need.”……………..
From the Ukrainan Navy’s news website, Flot Ukrainyny
http://fleet.sebastopol.ua/articles/obraschenie/
Translation offered by John Schindler – I don’t think you will hold it against me for linking to it once you read what these brave sailors have to say to #TzarVlado:
“Proceeding from this, we think that we have the right to accuse the president of the Russian Federation of a baldfaced lie. A lie that concerns the direct participation of the Russian Armed Forces in the events which have been unfolding on the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol over the last few days and today too.
The Ukrainian Navy warships Ternopil and Slavutych, which are moored in Sevastopol Bay, are currently blocked by warships and vessels of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, and they are all carrying detachments of marines numbering up to a platoon. They are armed with automatic weapons and equipped accordingly.
Bearing in mind the remarks of Mr. Putin that such gear and equipment can be bought in any shop, we would like to seize the moment and ask which shop – as well as where one can purchase automatic weapons, pistols and grenade launchers in violation of Ukrainian legislation? We also would like to recall that no unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces deployed in Crimea gave up even a single inch of the territory of their military bases or the weapons entrusted to them, let alone in such quantity, as all units remained faithful to the call of duty and their oath to the Ukrainian nation.
In response to all these insinuations, and the flows of mendacious information disseminated by dirty politicos and corrupt journalists, we – officers, warrant officers and sailors of the Ukrainian Navy – openly declare that we will honestly carry out our soldier’s duty till the end, we will defend our country and the Ukrainian people as we have been doing through all the years of independence, not for the sake of posts or salaries, but because this is our land and we cherish the lives of every person who lives on this land regardless of nationality.”
http://20committee.com/2014/03/04/ukrainian-sailors-call-out-putins-lies/
For you TOD Science Nerds….
COSMOS’ RETURNS! The legendary science series is coming back to TV this weekend, with host Neil deGrasse Tyson.
The GOP attacks on their President know no bounds. I am reminded of the old saying “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” – perhaps best known by Churchill’s remark “if Hitler invaded Hell, I would make at least a favourable reference to the Devil in the House of Commons,” in support of British aid to Soviet forces.
I just got followed by Jump Start Talent. I’ll see you all from the big screen.
😎 Too funny!!!
You know what I get tired of when I watch the videos of President Obama, like the one of him with the little kids. That bull crap which comes up there about Should Obama be Impeached? I see that to darn much and I’m tired of it.
FLOTUS will be on Rachel Ray Wednesday. I have to go fine out what time she comes on in my area.
I know, anniebella! I’ve had to train myself to take a deep breath when I see that *&#@ poll, ’cause I just can’t take yet another thing pissing me off every day. The unprecedented and relentless assault on this brilliant, compassionate man is about to push me over the edge. I sometimes get close to weeping with gratitude for this place.
Kathleen, It almost make me not want to watch the video. Because that Impeaching Obama crap will pop up.
I didn’t know you guys were getting that ‘Should O be impeached’ garbage too! I get it non-stop so I never even noticed that it came specifically with the videos of PBO. I’ve considered answering ‘no’ to get them to stop, but as I didn’t think I’d get the chance to add more and don’t want to encourage them I restrain myself and just click ‘close’. 🙄
I am wondering if people keep hearing it instead of accepting it could it have the little boy that cried wolf effect? Those that are RWNJS will believe it, but might everyone else just think “There go those crazies again!” Hope so.
These lovely photos of our wonderful POTUS remind me of all these wonderful children who love having some take the time to recognize them as they are in a lovely learning setting in school. And who better to keep it real than the little ones. Seeing POB there with them reminds me of all of the wonderful times of having these wonderful little people with so much love and hunger for knowledge and adults who will listen to them and and teach them. I admire and give thanks for All of the wonderful teachers here in our TOD family. ((((((((((((TY TY, TY))))))))))))))HZ
Cannot wait to see how POB will be working with children and young students all over the nation when he leaves office. So much to watch and see still coming from this brilliant mind, our POTUS.
OT: Just wanted to share this because of my students who always worried about me when I was our for medical reasons. ” Ms. —–, what did the doctor say? Are you okay now? Did you take your medicine this morning?” And on and on, they would go with such loving and moving questions. I still love them for making my life a sweet fragrance even now for those sweet and loving moments in my life.
I had my first appointment with my dentist this morning. (I have a great dentist) Everything went well. Three shots in my mouth. Yes, I said three. I do not like needles in my mouth;, but my dentist does magic with those needles. He gave me the iPod, and I felt like I was listening to many of the classical music that I had to direct in my conducting class in college. My dentist and team did a great job. Not as painful as I had allowed myself to believe. Shame on me. No, just being closely in touch with my human emotions.
Music, needles, and loving professional care throughout the three hours made it all a wonderful appointment. I am experiencing pain now, but he gave me meds., to help me get through these first twenty-four hours. I also have my wonderful prayer partners my beautiful and loving TOD family that my loving Chips created here for all of us. Thank you all so much. {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ I love you all, and I thank you so much for allowing me to share my gratitude here, Chips}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}HZ
HZ, so glad to hear the results of your dental appointment. Your dentist is great, I can tell by your description of your appointment. Dental care is so much better now than it was when we were young. I’m very thankful to be living now!
Carolyn, I so concur with you: “I’m very thankful to be living now!.” There is a new young lady on the dental team there, and when she assisted me in getting on my feet to leave the room; I shared how I slacked up in taking care of part person visit several times that may have caused part of the problems that I will pay for in these two procedures.
I was taken back by the young lady’s question. She said, “How so?” I explained to her how I had been (still am) very involved in two elections of POB, and she smiled and said, ” Well, you are totally excused because you had to have done a great job because I love that man so,and my family is so grateful to have him as our president. We have benefited in so many ways.” Of course, I asked her in what ways? And she went on to tell me.
Believe me, I know POB would not want any of us to not take care of our personal health; but I do know and have within my own family those who took off for a year from their college studies to help get POB elected, and one niece gave up 4 months of pay to travel to another state to walk the streets and knock on doors for POB. And we all here within our TOD family have our own personal stories of sacrifice during 2008 and 2012.
So as I walked to my car, tears came down my cheeks thinking of how those $4000.00 to my dentist helped a young lady and her family move FORWARD. Because of my sacrifice of not paying attention to my dental responsibility to sacrifice to help a young lady and her family years later for a better life is so humbling and so rewarding. I will only say that her situation had to do with helping her parents keep their home, pay for tuition for a child, and finish her college work because of what we did and POB did.
The pain, shots, and the money, all are worth it. I am still so blessed. These stories make my space a little more of a ‘grateful blessed space’ to rise in each morning that is given to me during these times. {{{{{{{{ Thank you Chips and this beautiful TOD family}}}}}} HZ
So proud of you, HZ:) Believe it or not…I was thinking about you today. You did good:)
Oh my HZ……I cried as I read your story. You did well for everyone…..and will come through this experience much healthier. What a totally sweet young lady!
{{{{{{{{{{{Thank you, my beautiful desertflower.}}}}}}}}}}} It all worked out beautifully. HZ
Here she is! Candlevstill burning.. Well, the third one is burning now! {{{{{ HZ}}}}}
I love my President. That is all!
Oh wow Meta, what a beautiful photo.
Beautiful
Guess who’s come for …..dinner? ….news? ……pictures? …whatever? 😛
Beautiful pictures, NW. Isn’t our President the best? So good around the kids.
It’s amazing when you think these kids were likely born AFTER PBO was elected – they are so innocent and oblivious to the history at this moment….having a Black President is normal for them – that’s all they’ve know their whole life 🙂 :).
Thanks Donna for tweeting this! 🙂
He is in such great shape. Few 50 something men can sit like this, and even fewer are willing to try.
Love your observation.
And in 2008, kids of all ages LOVED Barack Obama. I’ve told the story here before that my local public library had a large poster of President Obama at child height (at the reference desk), and kids of all colors would run up to the poster excitedly saying “Obama…”
Reminds me of an observation by someone who knew Nelson Mandela personally, that he would light up the most when he was around children. Exactly like our President.
Those PUMAs who are presumptuous enough to smugly think that HRC will appoint Barack Obama to SCOTUS will be in for a disappointment. I just can’t see PBO wanting a life for himself that excludes this country’s future, our children.
He loves them, and they genuinely love him back. He’s also quite aware of how important it is for people of character serve as role models for our youth. Looking forward to both POTUS and FLOTUS fulfilling those roles — though I can’t imagine how chaotic it will seem with someone else in the WH. 😦
Yes indeed arapaho415. Children are drawn to him because he’s a good person and they can sense it. I will never forget after one of the 2012 Presidential debates when Romney’s 2 grandsons went straight up to PBO. If that didn’t leave an impression on anyone in that venue, I don’t know what will.
“Please Proceed, Putin.”
I hope Putin hasn’t gone mad, even though he looks like it. Maybe he need G.W. Bush to look in his eyes and see his worthless soul.
Oh, no! Here comes the shoe banging on the table.
POB makes this look too easy. Sets them up for the big fall.
Scripture says,”He will make your enemies your footstool.”
Putin’s BFF is Christie right about now.
I keep saying whenever Rudy Giuliani speaks out on your behalf, START PACKING!
“I keep saying whenever Rudy Giuliani speaks out on your behalf, START PACKING!”
Absolutely, LDS 😀 😀 😀 😀
And what a life……!!!!!!
There is hope that the playing wil be fair when they have grown up. What a way to start your precious life.
America has yet to realize and acknowledg the dreams, hopes and records that could have been achieved in the record books, if the playing field had been fair.
That hopey/changed thing is working just fine(wink if you agree)…….
Thank you, God for PBO.
Chips I’ve got one that will give Diahhria a run for his money. 😆
https://twitter.com/vufaqoi/status/441005942428033024
😆 You know Donna, I absolutely agree with Vufaqoi Mucomazuo, could NOT have said it better myself!!!
My god, that sounds like bad language poetry. But, I repeat myself.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_poets
Oh dear….why am I NOT surprised about this?
Flippin’ heck, wow.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-alan-grayson-domestic-violence-wife-20140304,0,7338590.story
“Sadly, it was Ms. Grayson who physically attacked the Congressman as he attempted to visit with his children. He did not respond to Ms. Grayson’s violent assault,” the statement said.
It added that Lolita Grayson has become “increasingly erratic” since filing for divorce, and her husband “is deeply concerned by her recent behavior and is profoundly pained by her accusations.”
Juan Lopez, the congressman’s director of constituent services, told the Orlando Sentinel on Tuesday that he was present at the Grayson home Saturday and watched the incident from about 15 feet away.
Lopez said Alan Grayson never shoved or struck his wife: “Absolutely not …. It’s just unfortunate that this is happening and that she would say something like this.”
Oh my….this is some craziness. Wife must be suffering from paranoia of some sort to get an order against him (assuming this report is accurate).
Oh Bob, what an ugly mess.
Terrible, Chips. Very sad.
Wow, another one bites the dust. He also has several children.
They have 5 Children.
So sad when parents or parent are consumed in their own issues, forgetting the Children’s best interest.
I wish them well and Wisdom.
WOW…I didn’t realize Grayson had this many kids since he is so adolescent in his demeanor.
This is too precious.
Nice!
the doctor is in the house!
i love this so much!
For all those looking forward to St Paddy’s day (including JackieG and her neighbors):
#TimeToENroll #GetCOvered WIth Carole King
https://twitter.com/sonamie
I think Vladey Mae Poutin should elope with that dashing, manly Kim Jong Un! They’ll make a LOVELY……………….you know!
I must make a video of me and my friends dancing to “Happy”. Because that song isn’t leaving my head any time soon.
LL, you know Victor Meldrew? Well, I am Victor Meldrew …. I am alone in the world, that song does nothing for me 😕
Heresy!!!!!!!
😆 I know, I was a bit reluctant to confess because I could lose so many friends over this, in a bitter cataclysmic kind of way, but in the end I felt honesty was the best policy: THAT SONG DOES NOTHING FOR ME. /Usain Bolts over the horizon
Of course, *I* wouldn’t do this, but don’t be surprised if a certain Chelsea supporter pens a post on the glories of one Senhor Jose Mourinho in furious vengeance.
LL, I’ve already penciled in “Happy” for my July 4th and Christmas parties. I’m going to get everybody on their feet!
““Two weeks ago bullets were flying in Kyiv, in the very center,” he said. “A very serious investigation is underway. I think the time will come when we release the facts: who was shooting whom and on whose command. Fact are now being pieced together. I can just say one thing: the key factor in the confrontation which resulted in the bloody slaughter in Kyiv, turned the battlefield upside down and induced a state of shock was a third force. This force was not Ukrainian. We must understand this very clearly,” he said.
“This is not a question of political opposition. The core issue is human values and our sense of what has happened. It is unacceptable when outside forces presume to control us,” he added.”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/david-ignatius-the-cool-it-response-to-foreign-policy-rhetoric/2014/03/04/38cefa34-a3e6-11e3-a5fa-55f0c77bf39c_story.html
As the Ukraine crisis deepened, Sen. John McCain responded by criticizing President Obama’s “feckless” foreign policy, while Sen. Lindsey Graham called Obama “a weak and indecisive president [who] invites aggression.”
These sharp comments brought to mind a different time and crisis — and a different tone in foreign policy debates. This prompted me to call another prominent Republican who takes a quite different view. I’ll get to that in a moment, but first, a brief historical digression.
The year was 1980. The Iranian revolution had toppled the shah’s regime, the Soviet Union had just invaded Afghanistan and the United States’ president, Jimmy Carter, was widely perceived as a weak leader. Looking for a sharp-edged evaluation of the situation, I decided to interview Sen. Henry M. Jackson, a leading hawk.
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John McCain is barking on the wrong POTUS. This pres is Not impressed by McCain’s antics.
McSoreLoser keeps proving why there was only one choice in 2008.
Encouraging news on the AIDS front, especially for those of us who remember the 1980s, when being diagnosed with AIDS was a death sentence. Several work colleagues died of this disease, and one of my best friends in high school who “came out” the year before college died of this as well.
New post in 47 seconds
New post!
http://theobamadiary.com/2014/03/04/the-international-women-of-courage-awards/
😯 I know you won’t see this but I am gobsmacked to see that you were almost on time with your prediction! 😯 Will wonders never cease???!! /smh/